Buckingham Palace
Known originally as Buckingham House, Buckingham Palace is the official London home of The Queen and was built for John, first Duke of Buckingham in 1702. Its palatial character was created over time by successive monarchs and royal architects including John Nash. Queen Victoria became the
first sovereign to live at the Palace and an east wing was completed in 1847 to accommodate her growing family. The Palace is now used for both state occasions and as The Queen's private residence. The opulent State Rooms (open in August and September) are entered through Nash's Grand Hall and feature
his romantic three-flight Grand Staircase with a gilded balustrade, costing £3,900 in 1830. State Visits are held in the State Ballroom, where many lavish banquets are held.
Around 300 people work at the Palace, from officers of the Royal Household to domestic staff.
Every morning from April to the end of July (alternate days during autumn and winter) military precision and a blaze of colour mark the Changing of the Guard, known officially as Guard Mounting. Visitors can see soldiers in real bearskin hats and red tunics patrolling Buckingham Palace. At the front of the palace, the Queen Victoria Memorial, designed in 1901 by Sir Aston Webb, is the centrepiece for his Mall plan. The seated sculpture by Sir Thomas Brock is surrounded by allegorical figures representing Victorian virtues, such as Truth, Constancy and Courage.
Home to the Royal coaches and their horses, the Royal Mews stables and coach houses were designed by leading architect John Nash in 1825. The 1761 Gold State Coach built for George III, the 1910 Glass Coach - used for nearly all royal weddings - and royal landaus are kept and looked after here, together with the Royal Family's favourite cars, Rolls Royce Phantoms and Daimlers. Clarence House, built in 1827 for William IV, became home to the Queen Mother until her death in 2002. She bequeathed it to Prince Charles and he oversaw extensive renovations the following summer. Some rooms are now open to the public during the summer for viewing. Displays include the Queen Mother's extensive collection of art and furniture, examples of Fabergt\ English porcelain and silver, and works by John Piper.
The Queen's Gallery houses one of the best art collections in the world, including paintings by many Old Masters such as Leonardo da Vinci. Also on display are textiles, furniture, jewellery and decorative art. The Throne Room's ornate ceiling is illuminated by seven glass and gilt bronze chandeliers that are two hundred years old and it is here that The Queen receives addresses on formal occasions. Nearby St James's Palace was built on the site of a former leper hospital built by Henry VIII. Its impressive gate- house is one of the most recognizable Tudor sites in London and it was until recently home to Prince Charles and his household.