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...

  1. The Tudors
    From archbishops residence to the first banqueting houses in Whitehall.
    Read more
  2. Court entertainment
    The Masque: court entertainment on a grand scale
    Read more
  3. Rubens's ceiling
    The Rubens ceiling: the crowing glory of Inigo Jones’ building
    Read more
  4. The Stuarts
    The era of the masque comes to an end; even grander ceremonies begin
    Read more
  5. Execution of Charles I
    The single most significant event which took place here
    Read more
  6. The Commonwealth
    Oliver Cromwell takes over the Banqueting House as his hall of audience in 1654
    Read more
  7. The Restoration
    A new life begins for Banqueting House as the monarchy is restored in 1660.
    Read more
  8. Last days - Whitehall
    From a furniture store to a lying-in state, the final ceremonies of Banqueting House
    Read more
  9. The destruction
    In 1698, a major fire ends the ceremonial importance of Banqueting House
    Read more
  10. 1698 - Present
    Used as a chapel and concert hall before being given to the nation as a museum
    Read more
  11. Further reading
    Bibliography of Banqueting House
    Read more