Strand, The (London, England); Streets -- England -- London
chamber was conveniently near a small back-staircase, up which a
new-born infant could have been smuggled. During the reign of King
William the palace was fitted up as a residence for Prince George of
Denmark and Princess Anne. When the Princess ascended the throne, the
palace became the regular residence of the Court, which it continued to
be until the accession of Queen Victoria, who preferred Buckingham
Palace.
The only parts remaining of King Henry's building are the gatehouse,
some turrets, a mantelpiece in the presence chamber, which bears the
initials H. and A. (Henry and Anne Boleyn) with a true lovers' knot, the
Chapel Royal (which has, of course, been renovated), and the
tapestry-room. Levees are still held at the palace.
On the west of the gatehouse a series of apartments were being prepared
for the Duke of Clarence at the time of his death, and were afterwards
assigned to the present Prince and Princess of Wales. At the west end is
Clarence House, in the occupation of the Duke of Connaught. This was
occupied by the King of Prussia and his sons on their visit to England
in 1814. The Duchess of Kent resided here until 1861.
The Lord Chamberlain's offices and residence, and also the official
residence of the Keeper of the Privy Purse, are among the official
chambers in the palace. There are minor offices also, those of the Clerk
of the Works, and the Gentlemen of the Wine Cellar; there are state
apartments and the quarters of the Gentlemen at Arms and the Yeomen of
the Guard. There are several courts in the palace, namely, the
Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court, and Colour Court. There
have been various chapels connected with the palace, but the only two
of importance are the Chapel Royal and German Chapel, which still
remain.
The Chapel Royal is supposed to be on the site of the chapel of the
ancient hospital, and various Norman remains dug up in the course of
repairs favour this supposition. The roof is beautifully decorated in
panels by Holbein; the date of its completion is supposed to be 1540.
Prince George and Princess Anne; Frederick, Prince of Wales; George IV.;
Queen Victoria; and the Empress Frederick, were all married in this
Chapel.
The German Chapel was founded in 1700 by Princess Anne; service was held
in it once on Sundays up to the present reign, but has now been
discontinued.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account