Re-blogged because I have now accessed some images from Historic Royal Palaces which help flesh out the text.
To London last week with the British Guild of Travel Writers for our Annual Summer Outing which this year included a visit to the Banqueting House in Whitehall, a tour on a Big London Bus and a Cruise on the River Thames with City Cruises, the boat that allows you to get off at any stop along the route. The open-top bus tour and the river cruise took place in blazing sunshine and although London sights are familiar, the landmarks and historic sites never fail to thrill.
The Banqueting House is the last surviving part of the Palace of Whitehall*. It was once the greatest palace of its time in Europe, almost totally destroyed by fire in 1698, but I knew nothing of its history until this visit.
A view of the great hall and its ceiling decorated with paintings by Sir Peter Paul Rubens at the Banqueting House. The ceiling canvases were commissioned by James I’s son, Charles I, in 1629-30 to celebrate his father’s life and wise government. They represent the only scheme painted by Rubens to remain in its original position
The Banqueting House was created for King James I in 1622 by architect Inigo Jones. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Rome it was revolutionary at that time, standing it is said, head and shoulders above the ragbag of buildings that composed Whitehall Palace. At the time of which we are speaking, a banquet was composed of little snacks and desserts, eaten after the main course when diners were waiting for the entertainment to begin, and was consumed in a separate little house or room, highly decorated and situated a short walk away from the main dining hall in order to aid digestion. The Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace was the biggest and grandest of them all.
A view of the ceiling of the Great Hall. The canvases were commissioned by James I’s son, Charles I, in 1629-30 to celebrate his father’s life and wise government. They represent the only scheme painted by Rubens to remain in its original position
It was during the reign of King Charles l that the magnificent ceiling paintings by Sir Peter Paul Rubens (which today can be viewed from comfortable leather cushions laid on the floor) were installed. Under these ceilings over 400 years ago, royalty and courtiers, ambassadors and aristocrats took part in some of the most exuberant and decadent masques every performed; today it is more likely to be celebrities and fashionistas who parade beneath the sumptuous ceilings as The Banqueting House has proved a popular ‘Events’ venue.
A view of the great throne in Banqueting House and its ceiling decorated with paintings by Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
* Whitehall Place was for many years the property of the powerful Archbishops of York, who needed to be close to the monarch. The first was built in 1241 and was originally known as York Place, passing through time to Cardinal Wolsey who extended it greatly. As we know, he was deprived of his properties by Henry VIII who took it over in 1530 when it became Whitehall Palace. Two great fires saw the destruction of Whitehall Palace, the first in 1691 and the second in 1698 when it was almost totally destroyed.
Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:00). Admission: Adults £5. 50 Concessions £4. 60: Children 5-15 £0
What follows are images of London taken from the top of the Big Red Bus.
The following are pictures taken from City Cruises boat which carried us from Westminster Pier down to the Tower of London and beyond, passing some very innovative architecture whose positioning evoked some heated argument amongst us, as well as the always sombre Traitors’ Gate leading into the Tower and almost certain death.
Dr Samual Johnson said, “…..when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Even after the long gap in time, I agree with him, every word.
MARI'S TRAVELS WITH HER CAMERA 
Reblogged this on Travels with My Camera.
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We all say that! Believe me, I wouldn’t have accomplished so much if it hadn’t all been organized for me.
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What a great day and you saw so much! I only ever go to London to visit family, I should make the effort really.
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Yes, isn’t that a fascinating fact.
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I should have mentioned in the Post but I thought it was running on too long, that this room is the only thing you see. From here you can go out on to the balcony (limited to 3 at a time) from which Charles l stepped to the scaffold which had been erected against the Banqueting House: the scaffold was hung round with black cloth.
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I didn’t know anything about the banqueting house before. And how interesting that the meaning of banquet has changed.
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I confess I’m one of those people who rail against the changes in London. It has some lovely buildings, the architecture really is stunning, but it has no style. Go to Dubai and it all seems to fit in, New York and Chicago ditto, but London? Someone has left the children alone with the crayons and they’ve gone berserk and ruined my favourite squares and river scenes.
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It sounds like a great day out, Mari. That skyline is something, isn’t it? I have to admit to liking the quiet grace of Greenwich more than the ‘wam bam’ architecture, but the whole makes for a beautiful city. Nice to see a little of the Banqueting Hall. I know people who’d struggle to get up from that position. I’m about as graceful as an elephant in that situation. 🙂 🙂 Much easier to sit on a bus and admire. The last time I did one of those hop on/off tours was in Paris and I got soaked on top deck. Worth it for Paris! Thanks for sharing, hon.
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I love visiting a city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, as well as a river cruise, if there is one. You get the overall feel for the layout of the city and what might attract you, and then you can explore more thoroughly after. I love your photos of London, Mari. And it looks like you had a magnificent day. Nice too that you’re a member of a Guild of Travel Writers. 🙂
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Have just read your article about the Banqueting Hall…enjoyed it very much and all the little historic titbits…I’m a little bit smarter for reading it…and by the way I have also read and thoroughly liked your piece about the Garden Museum..keep it up…
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