InfoBritain

 

 

Buckingham Palace And The Mall

 

Buckingham Palace was bought by George the Third in 1761 as a London home . He purchased it from the Duke of Buckingham, and began rebuilding to his own plan. George the Fourth continued this remodelling work, employing John Nash, the royal family's favoured architect. Rebuilding work continued up until the First World War, giving the palace we see today. Buckingham Palace continues as the London home of the royal family, though it's main role is in a ceremonial capacity.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking Down The Mall Towards Buckingham Palace

The palace sits at the end of The Mall, Britain's ceremonial road, on which the state takes its symbolic journeys. Routes of this kind have a long history: a similar ceremonial route can be seen at Stonehenge for example. Like the Stonehenge ceremonial way, there are circles at its ends. There's the great space around the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, and the circle formed the roads of by Trafalgar Square at the far end of the Mall. On this route state journeys of celebration and mourning, marriage and death take place. Wandering up the huge expanse of The Mall it is tempting to reflect on the continuing symbolism of all this, the way the great one way journey of the Mall is combined with a roundabout trip at its ends.

Opening Times: Changing of the guard happens at 11.30am from May to August. Buckingham Palace state rooms can be visited from August 1st to September 28th 2008. Opening hours are 9:45am to 6pm, last admission at 3:45pm. Tickets are available on the day of visiting from the office in Green Park just across The Mall from the Palace.

Directions: Buckingham Palace is at the bottom of The Mall. The nearest underground station to Buckingham Palace is Victoria. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Buckingham Palace

Access: there is level, or ramped access in the public areas.

Contact: +44(0)2077667300.

Fax: +44(0)2079309625

E-mail: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk

 

The Royal Mews: The working stables at Buckingham Palace. Offers a permanent display of state vehicles, including the Gold State Coach used for coronations.

Access: access is good.

Contact: +44(0)2077667302, or e-mail bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk