Prior to the construction of this building, the Palace of Whitehall had no permanent banqueting house; Henry VIII preferred to banquet in a temporary structure built in the gardens. The building was used for far more than just banqueting; the King also held receptions, ceremonies, and various entertainments in this vast space.

The structure was the beginning of a bit of a revolution in British architecture. Inigo Jones had travelled in Italy and brought his ideas of classical Roman balance and perfection to his design for this royal palace.

It is one of the first examples of Palladian design in Britain and it is a marvel of precise proportion. The interior is a two storey double cube room, which means its width and height are equal, and its length is twice that.

Surrounding the room on the second floor is a gallery which was intended for public access, as in those days the King lived rather publicly and people could actually crowd into this viewing area to watch the events.

The ceiling of the building is covered with three enormous paintings by Peter Paul Rubens which depict scenes from the reign of James I.

James’ son Charles I was a great patron of the arts and wanted an artist of great stature to be part of his court, so he lured Rubens to London with the promise of a knighthood. Unfortunately, after completing the paintings and being knighted, Rubens returned to Antwerp, and Charles had to offer Van Dyke a knighthood, house, and pension in order to secure him as court artist instead.

Charles I finally met his end at this site; he was hung from a scaffolding in front of the building in 1649.

The palace has a remarkable area called the Undercroft that was designed as a drinking and carousing area for James I and his friends.

Address: Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2ER

Telephone: 0870 751 5178

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 | Closed Sunday, Bank Holidays, December 22 to January 1 and at short notice for functions

Pricing

£4.50 (Adults), £3.50 (Concs), £2.25 (Under 16s) Free (Under 5s)

Photo courtesy: Rev Stan

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