A building history
Once the favoured home of some of Britain's most famous kings and queens
This is the story of how Kensington Palace’s royal owners have used its spaces and shaped its physical transformation since acquiring it in the late 17th century right up to the present day.
A history of Kensington Palace's development...
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William and Mary buy Nottingham House to escape the 'grime' of Whitehall
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The Queen builds the Orangery and extends the gardens.
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The King rebuilds, spends lavishly and employs the little-known William Kent.
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Kensington falls into disuse as its last reigning monarch mourns his Queen
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The future queen is born at Kensington, while her mother’s palace alterations upset William IV.
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The Queen saves Kensington's state apartments from near demolition and they become a public exhibition space
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The sometime site of the London Museum is still a home to the royal family.
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Find out all about our project to transform Kensington Palace!
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