Banqueting Hall, Palace of Whitehall

Built in 1622 to the designs of Inigo Jones, Banqueting House is the last surviving part of the once vast Palace of Whitehall, the principal residence of Tudor and Stuart monarchs. Although the palace was destroyed by fire in 1698, this remarkable building remains one of the finest examples of classical architecture in Britain.

Students can stand in the very hall where kings entertained ambassadors and courtiers, while admiring the spectacular ceiling paintings by Sir Peter Paul Rubens. Banqueting House is also closely linked to one of the most significant events in British history – the execution of Charles I in 1649 – making it an ideal destination for exploring the English Civil War, the changing relationship between Parliament and the Crown, and the development of Britain's political system.

With curriculum links to History, Citizenship, Art and Design, and Architecture, Banqueting House brings the Stuart monarchy, constitutional change, Baroque art and Renaissance-inspired design to life in an authentic historic setting.