It’s
likely the most recognizable royal residence in the world.
The site of
Buckingham Palace in London has been a royal
residence since 1761, when George III bought Buckingham House for his wife,
Queen Caroline. It was architect John Nash who transformed the building into
more of what we know today, creating a three-winged building with the Marble
Arch in front of
it (the arch was later moved to Hyde Park). Victoria was the first monarch to
live in the palace, moving in in 1837, and it was during her early reign that a
fourth wing was added, especially to provide more bedrooms and a nursery. The
fourth wing created the quadrangle design.
The palace
has experienced some significant changes over the years. In 1911, the forecourt
was added (where the changing of the Guard takes place) as part of the plan
for the Victoria Memorial statue. The gates and railings were also
added at this time. In 1913, the palace was refaced – the stone was
deteriorating because of air pollution. During World War II, a German plane
flew right up The Mall and bombed part of the palace – in
the area where the Queen’s Art Gallery and the palace gift shop are today
on Buckingham Gate.
To continue reading, please see my post today at Dancing Priest.
Photograph: Buckingham Palace, September 2017.
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