Where: Whitehall
What: Commissioned
by James I and built by Inigo Jones, london banqueting house
was part of Whitehall Palace. Completed in 1622, it was embellished
by Charles I, who had the famous
ceiling painted
by Rubens (the artist was rewarded with £3,000 and
a knighthood).
It was through
a window of the london banqueting house that King Charles went
to his execution in 1649 (he was executed just outside
the building). It is the only surviving
building of Whitehall Palace.
Nearest
underground station: Charing
Cross / Westminster
Opening
times: Monday
to Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Admission
charges apply: (2005) Adults: £4; Children
5 - 15 £2.60, free under 5.
Website: hrp.org.uk
Banqueting
house also plays host to part of the Charles
I Commemoration March - a march that happens
in January each year and commemorates the execution of
King Charles I