Food for thought

Friday, 12 August 2011 10:06

We have joined as members of the Historic Royal Palaces, which gives us access to five of the Royal Palaces for as many visits as we like in a year. So, whilst in London, we visited a couple.

The Banqueting House (in Whitehall) has a fascinating history ......

It is all that remains of Henry VIII's Whitehall Palace, which burnt down in 1698. Designed by Inigo Jones in 1619 for James I, it was revolutionary architecture inspired by Inigo's trips to Italy.

At the entrance, we were welcomed by an officer and musketeer from the Parliamentarians

Fi has a close up encounter with a Parliamentarian Officer

Rubens was commissioned to do the ceiling paintings, which were painted in Holland and shipped over to be installed using wooden scaffolding. Rubens was paid £3,000 but never saw the paintings installed. Despite fire, floods and war they have survived.

Main Hall and ceiling paintings

Charles I was executed on a scaffolding in 1649 outside the Banqueting House and the splendid room was one of his last sights on earth.

Charles I

Throughout history the Banqueting House has been used for splendid occasions, parliamentary receptions, investitures, and ennoblements. On some days now, you can take afternoon tea amongst the soaring Romanesque columns and take in the history surrounding you.

Anyone for tea?

More photos here