Add a review about Whitehall Street in London

Whitehall Street has existed for several centuries and even gave the name to the British government - often when it comes to government reports, they say "Whitehall declared ..." It's not surprising - many state institutions and the most important ministries and offices are right here

But the most important sight here is Banqueting House, that is, the Banquet House, a small surviving piece of the old Whitehall Palace

Usually the general concept of "Whitehall" includes 2 streets - or merge into one another, it is actually Whitehall and Parliament Street. Once they were shared by the royal palace, but now it does not exist.

The history of appearance

Originally it was just a road along the river, then a palace was built across it. In the middle of the 17th century, King Henry VIII decided to move the royal court from the Tower to Westminster and for this purpose created two palaces there: built a new St. James Palace and rebuilt this one, standing across the road - it was renamed Whitehall. Simultaneously built a grand street-entrance, which rested on the front gate, and she was also named Whitehall. Parliament Street retreated from the backyard of the palace and led further to the Westminster Palace

The palace was huge - more than one and a half thousand rooms, it occupied the whole area. In 1698, it almost completely burned, and it was decided not to restore it, so they simply connected the streets of Whitehall and Parliament Street to one.

Government buildings

Build up the street with official diplomatic buildings immediately after the palace was built, and with Since then nothing has changed: it is still occupied by them alone. There are no houses, shops or anything else - only state institutions.

Whitehall is the focus of the "establishment": most of the most important state structures are here, including the Ministry of Defense, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Tax Service, the Army Office , The Maritime Office and much more.

Attractions

In addition to the official buildings, there are many monuments dedicated mainly to the commanders of the First and Second World Wars, and also there is the Cenotaph - the English version of the grave unknown a soldier is also interesting

Also interesting is Horse Guards Parade (behind the houses) - there are cavalry parades here

The separate and most serious landmark is Banqueting House, that is, the Banquet House, a small surviving piece of the old Whitehall Palace, which burned down. It was built by the famous architect Inigo Jones, there was a painting on the ceiling made by Rubens, and all this can be seen.

Practical information

In general, the buildings here are quite new, built mainly in the 19th century. Come here to see the embodiment of the concept of "establishment", the Bunketing House and the Prime Minister's residence in Downing Street (the prime minister is obliged to provide housing for the time of work, that's what this house is for more than 200 years).

But a separate time for Whitehall is not worth it, the easiest way is just to pass here on the way to Big Ben - Whitehall connects Trafalgar Square and Westminster Palace

Whitehall Street Review

Two Charing Cross and Westminster.