A building history

Originally the property of the Archbishops of York. The Banqueting House was used to provide entertainment for Charles I, and was later the scene of his execution.

After the fire that destroyed Whitehall Palace in 1698, it was used as a chapel until 1890. From 1896 until 1962 the Banquteing House was occupied by the Royal United Services Institute and used as a museum.

A history of the Banqueting House's development...

The Tudors

From archbishops residence to the first banqueting houses in Whitehall.
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Court entertainment

The Masque: court entertainment on a grand scale
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Rubens's ceiling

The Rubens ceiling: the crowning glory of Inigo Jones’ building
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The Stuarts

The era of the masque comes to an end; even grander ceremonies begin
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Execution of Charles I

The single most significant event which took place here
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The Commonwealth

Oliver Cromwell takes over the Banqueting House as his hall of audience in 1654
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The Restoration

A new life begins for Banqueting House as the monarchy is restored in 1660.
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Last days - Whitehall

From a furniture store to a lying-in state, the final ceremonies of Banqueting House
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The destruction

In 1698, a major fire ends the ceremonial importance of Banqueting House
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1698 - Present

Used as a chapel and concert hall before being given to the nation as a museum
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Further reading

Bibliography of Banqueting House
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