Backpackers Guide to London
Clarence House
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums Clarence House is a Royal home originally used by Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence and his wife, Adelaide. It was designed by John Nash and was built between 1825 and 1827. The Duke of Clarence who eventually became known as William IV when he inherited the Throne in 1830, preferred to live here. He felt that St. James Palace was too restrictive in terms of space, and construction of Buckingham Palace was far from complete due to renovations requested by his brother George IV. William IV lived in Clarence House until he died in 1837. After William IV’s death, Clarence House was passed on to his unmarried sister, Princess Augusta who occupied it until she died in 1846. The succeeding occupants included Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1841-1861), Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (1866-1900) and Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1900-1942). The two latter occupants had periods of actually living in other places due to their call of duty, but they have always used Clarence house as their London base. Upon the death of the Duke of Connaught and Starthearn in 1942, Clarence House was used by the War Organization of the British Red Cross and Order of St, John of Jerusalem. It was returned to royal use in 1949 as the London home of Princess Elizabeth upon her marriage to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. They were known as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The Duchess acceded as Queen when King George VI died in 1952. This time the Royal couple moved to Buckingham Palace and Clarence House was prepared for the accommodation of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. She moved in the House together with Princess Margaret in 1953 and continued carrying out official duties in the Clarence House until she died in 2002. Clarence House is now home to the Prince of Wales, Charles, his second wife, the Duchess of Cornwall and his sons, Princes William and Harry of Wales. It is the family’s official London residence and the official accommodation of the Prince of Wales’ household as well, serving as support for the royal family’s official engagements. The house underwent extensive renovation before the family moved in. The principal rooms are used for receiving and entertaining official visitors to the UK. “Clarence House” when used by media refers to the Prince of Wales’ private office. Situated in the Mall, a road running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch on the west end and to Trafalgar Square on the east end, Clarence House is part of a wider complex of buildings around St. James Palace. It is open to visitors usually from August to October, from 9:30 am to 6:00 p.m. daily. Tickets are timed and pre-booked, and admission is by guided tour. The tours start promptly and late-comers are not entertained. Opening arrangements are subject to change at short notice as the House is a working royal residence. This tour may be the only chance to see this historic house and the rooms where Prince Charles assume official engagements. It is also an opportunity to see magnificent collections of priceless art, furniture, porcelain and silver of the Bowes-Lyon family.
Introduction
Generations of Royals
Getting There
Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677
