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Banqueting House Interior, London, England, Whitehall, 2017, Photo by Graham-
Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Banqueting House
The Banqueting House is one of the prides of Whitehall in London. This house has lived for over 400 years. So, it鈥檚 a perfect location for those that fancy European architecture, history and art.
This house was used to hold royal masques, during its early days. It later was the welcoming area for dignitaries such as ambassadors and heads of state.
That went on for many years and some of the renowned leaders of recent generations greeted in the facility are former U.S. President Obama Barack. First South Africa鈥檚 black president, Nelson Mandela was also honoured with a warm welcome in the Banqueting Hall within the house.
The area of Westminster is teeming with landmarks perfect for walking expeditions. Thus you can make use of your time within the area to tour the Banqueting House and the surrounding area.
You can get to the venue, using the nearby Underground stations. Either use Westminster or Embankment. It鈥檚 less than 10 minute walk distance from the stations.
If you opt for a bus ride, several local buses service the area, and the Horse Guards Parade bus stop is right outside the property. The hop-on-hop-off tours are another convenient option.
Here is a list of the top 10 fun truths about the Banqueting House. You will find these realities about this house intriguing. Take a look.
1. It was the home of York鈥檚 Archbishops
The Banqueting House started as York Place. The name was the middle ages reference title for the house. The Middle Ages period is the time after the 5th-century Roman civilization collapsed up to the Renaissance of the 15th century.
York Place housed the Archbishops of York at the time. It was until Cardinal Wolsey who was one of York鈥檚 Archbishops lost this place as his home to King Henry VIII. Wolsey fell foul of the King which rendered him homeless.
2. King Henry VIII, named it the Whitehall Palace
Banqueting House, London interior, Photo by Paul-
While the Banqueting House was the York Place in the hands of Henry VIII, the king decided to upgrade the house to fit palatial status. Henry named the house Whitehall and it became his palace together with Anne Boleyn, his Queen.
Henry and Anne used the palace to host events of the Tudor and the Stuart monarchies that followed. The 1698 fire in the Whitehall left nothing to salvage or reminisce of the original building.
3. The first banqueting house displeased King James I
Henry had no assigned area for banqueting only a temporary structure existed in the gardens that catered for banqueting. So, during his time, only the Whitehall Palace existed with no permanent banqueting house.
King James, I was the one that brought in the idea of a permanent place designated for banqueting. James got Robert Stickells to design the banqueting house in 1607.
After completion, the king was not happy with the way the work turned out. This was because the windows were obscured by the building鈥檚 pillars.
In 1613, an adjacent chamber was added to the house for the wedding of James鈥檚 daughter, Princess Elizabeth. The house lasted a few years and in January 1619, fire struck it down. The fire was brought about by the incineration of rubbish within the building by workmen that had cleared rubbish from the celebrations of New Year.
4. The house is the work of architect Inigo Jones
Banqueting House, London, Photo by Chris-
The Banqueting House is a display of creativity and innovation at its best by Jones. The house showcases a classical blend of Italian and French architecture. He had been exposed to the styles during his travels to the regions of Italy and France.
With the inspiration of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, Jones introduced Palladian architecture in England. This neoclassical style was the first of its kind in the country.
Construction works began in 1619 and in 1622 the work was completed. The cost of the house was about 拢15,618. It was an architectural glory for England.
5. The paintings of the house were done by Peter Paul Rubens
Banqueting House, London ceiling, Photo by Paul-
The Banqueting House hall has spectacular ceiling evidence of the work of Rubens. The nine paintings on the ceiling remain intact since the time they were installed in 1636.
The other oil-on-canvas paintings around the house complement the ceiling paintings giving the house authentic interior decoration. King James, I was responsible for starting the talks with Reuben on the interior theme of decorations for the banqueting house.
Charles I, James鈥檚 son is the one that ensured the work was achieved and by 1636 all paintings were finished and put up. Reuben鈥檚 work pleased Charles and he was paid 拢3000 in addition to a gold chain gift.
6. The house was the execution site for Charles I
Banqueting House – bust of King Charles I, placed where he met his death, Photo by The wub-
The Banqueting House was where King Charles I was executed. The King was hanged outside the house on January 30, 1649. The action occurred on a scaffold prepared for that purpose. Once every year an anniversary service is held in the same location of his demise in his honour.
7. The Banqueting Hall was used for royal ceremonies
The Banqueting House has a hall that was used to host royal events during the time of King Charles I and his Queen Henrietta Maria. Masques’ performances were a favourite of Henrietta and Charles I. They attracted presentations from the world鈥檚 best musicians of the time. Reception of guests and royal ceremonies were also held in the house.
8. The Banqueting House held a healing formality
There was a ceremony that was popular during the middle ages. The curing of a skin disorder. Those suffering from the skin disorder went for a touch by the monarchs in the banqueting house to receive healing. It was practised by James I and his son Charles I.
It faded off for a while until in 1661 when Charles II revived it and popularized the ceremony. In his reign, he claimed over 7000 hailing people visited the banqueting house for a healing touch. Claims by Charles II added that the curing of the thousands was within a period of half a year after he brought back the ceremony.
It was last done by Queen Anne during her monarchy that stretched from 1702 up to 1714. George I who took over after her dismissed the idea and affiliated it to be religiously inclined.
9. The House was committed to giving to the poor
The Banqueting House gave to the poor in the Royal Maundy ceremony. It took place on the eve of Good Friday during Easter commemorations.
The event promoted servanthood emulating the act of Jesus washing his disciple’s feet. Paupers were welcome to the Banqueting House and the monarchs showed humility by washing their feet. But, royal officials ensured that those brought in had their feet well cleaned before the ceremony.
The Banqueting House ceased the event in 1890. The last monarch to celebrate the event was Queen Victoria. In the present day, the Royal Maundy service is observed. Though, giving to the poor is contributed by various cathedrals rather than the Banqueting house.
The servant leader’s show of feet washing died in the 18th century. But to remember it during the Royal Maundy service, the Lord High Almoner keeps a towel over the right-hand shoulder throughout the service.
10. The original exterior of the house was colourful
The Banqueting House’s original look from the outside was full of colour and decorations. The grey to white face of the building is a result of the white Portland stone.
Its new face began with the 1774 refashioning and in 1829 the building took up an entirely new look. This replaced the initial pink to brown coloured stone that was complimented by the white Portland stone decorative features.
The Banqueting House is a great tourist destination. Its environs will meet your hunger for a scenic adventure.
It鈥檚 wise to make reservations because the house is sometimes closed for private functions or other reasons. Again, persons with physical challenges such as hearing and needing help have interpreters that are available at specific times.
Those with challenges of accessibility such as using wheelchairs need early bookings. Because elevators to the Main Hall have limited. So, make your bookings early for a smooth trip.
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