Discover the centuries of fascinating history behind these beautiful Stuart buildings
1 BANQUETING HOUSE
LONDON
A masterwork by the noted architect Inigo Jones, the Banqueting Hall was designed to be a place where King James could impress his guests and host extravagant parties. According to Historic Royal Palaces, the Banqueting House was originally even more extravagant and colourful than it is now. Purportedly the exterior was built out of alternating honey-coloured and luscious pink stone. Unfortunately, in 1774 a process of resurfacing it with grey Portland stone would begin.
However, the most famous part of the Banqueting House is inside. Installed on the ceiling of the main hall are nine paintings by the artist Peter Paul Rubens. According to University College London, the most renowned are three central canvases depicting the Union Of The Crowns, The Apotheosis Of James I and The Peaceful Reign Of James I. These works were completed in 1636.
The Banqueting Hall is the only structure of the famous Palace of Whitehall that still stands. In 1698, the palace was destroyed when a Dutch maidservant left sheets drying on a charcoal brazier unattended.
The Banqueting House is only open to the public on specific dates. Please check the website before travelling.
2 ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
LONDON
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London. The masterpiece of renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, construction took some 35 years. The area had been the site of a Christian church since 604 CE and a fourth cathedral had been constructed during the 11th century. This building fell in and out of disrepair until it was finally destroyed during the Great Fire of London.
Wren’s original designs were deemed too expensive and too elaborate and it was only in 1675 that he hit upon a design that was approved. Even then, this would undergo massive alterations with the impressive tower planned being swapped for the now iconic dome. Artist Sir James Thornhill was awarded the responsibility of decorating the interior of the domes. Due to the breadth and height of the area needing to be decorated, this was no easy task and according to Dr Richard Johns, of the University of York, would be the most expensive decorative scheme in England at the time.
During World War II, St Paul’s Cathedral was considered extremely vulnerable to the bombs and V-weapons of the German War Machine. Volunteers were arranged as the building was vulnerable to fire and despite a number of unexploded bombs, it survived the conflict. For centuries St Paul’s was the tallest building in London until 1963, when this title would be snatched
