5 of the Most Historic Buildings in London

The capital of the UK is obviously steeped in history and many visitors enjoy finding out about the past and viewing whatever remains today from times gone by. That being said, and bearing in mind that there is a very wide choice in this city, what are the five most historic buildings in London? Let us take a look.

The Queen’s House

The <a href=https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/history>Queen’s House</a> in Greenwich was built between 1616 and 1635, and has been described as “one of the most interesting buildings in the country.” This former royal residence is famous for its former occupants, its architecture, and its art collection. The Queen’s House is also rumoured to have its own ghost. Its architect was <a href=https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover/explore/stunning-architecture-inigo-jones>Inigo Jones</a> and it is one of the first classical buildings constructed in Britain. The Queen’s House was built to house Anne of Denmark, the consort of King James I. Today it is regarded as a Grade 1 listed building and is part of the <a href=https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum>National Maritime Museum</a>.

Buckingham Palace

<a href=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace>Buckingham Palace</a> is world-famous today as the residence of the Queen of England, and serves as an office of the Head of State. It has 775 rooms and a staff of 800, and every year countless tourists come to see it. Back in 1837, Buckingham Palace provided the royal residence for Queen Victoria.

The Houses of Parliament

The <a href=https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/>Houses of Parliament</a> are a visual icon and landmark of London, standing as they do overlooking the River Thames and with their famous clock tower, ‘Big Ben’. King William II was responsible for their original construction between 1097 and 1099. Today, the Houses of Parliament are the meeting place of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

<a href=https://www.stpauls.co.uk/>St Paul’s Cathedral</a>, which was the first cathedral to be constructed after the English Reformation back in the 16th century, is a masterpiece and an example of the work of Christopher Wren, who is Britain’s most famous architect. It has been built and rebuilt as many as five times, and with its magnificent dome is surely one of the most outstanding historic buildings of London.

The Tower of London

The <a href=https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/>Tower of London</a> is another landmark of the UK capital. Before Victorian times, it served as a royal residence but also as a prison. It was originally built in the 1070s but Henry III and Edward I added to it, designed to look imposing and create fear at 27 metres high. In the Tudor period it became a prison where religious and political prisoners were held and tortured. Today, the Tower of London attracts over three million visitors every year.

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