BUCKINGHAM PALACE

WILLIAM WINDE / JOHN NASH

From Buckingham House to Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has a rich history that began as Buckingham House in 1703, originally built for the Duke of Buckingham by William Winde It became the official royal residence in 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended the throne.

The palace underwent significant expansions and redesigns, particularly by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, transforming it into the grand structure we see today. Today it is the administrative headquarters of the monarchy although King Charles 3rd resides just around the corner in Clarence House.

Buckingham Palace in modern times is the most popular tourist attraction that London has to offer, next time you are there take a look at the lamp posts on The Mall, on top of them are models of Lord Nelsons armada used at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Lord Nelsons monument in Trafalgar Square has Lord Nelson looking towards Portsmouth but as a happy coincidence he looks to be looking down The Mall at his fleet. The battle was a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic wars that helped seal Napoleon’s eventual downfall and established England as a dominant naval power. The British fleet, under Admiral Lord Nelson, defeated the combined French and Spanish fleet.