London has its fair share of beautiful and historic buildings, but there’s one that you may not have heard of before. Well, thankfully, here at Secret London, revealing those hidden gems is kind of our whole schtick.
The Banqueting House is the sole surviving element of the Palace of Whitehall, which was the principal residence for the Tudor and Stuart monarchies up until it was destroyed in a fire in 1698. Now the Banqueting House is reopening for just over a month, so now is your chance to soak up some of its history.
The only surviving piece of the Palace of Whitehall
The Banqueting House was created within the Palace of Whitehall as a space to entertain, but it has also seen some dramatic moments in history, the most notable being the execution of King Charles I.
Perhaps the most striking part of the Banqueting House is the ceiling artwork, created by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, and commissioned by King Charles I. The extraordinary artwork is made up of nine paintings and was installed in 1636.
Rediscovering 400 years of history
Thanks to the Royal Historic Palaces, the space has undergone a massive upgrade which has made it possible to reopen its doors this summer. The Banqueting House will be open from 1 August to 20 September, with adult tickets coming in at £10.
The hall is decked out with beanbags and cushioned benches so you can gaze at the beautiful ceiling artwork in a serene environment. You’ll also be able to learn more about the history and architecture of the building through digital content and expert palace hosts.
📍You’ll find The Banqueting House, 61 Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET.
🚇 The nearest station is Embankment.
