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Queen's House, Greenwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Queen's House in Greenwich was originally conceived as a palace for Anne of Denmark, wife of James the First. There's a story that James accidentally shot one of his wife's dogs while they were out hunting in 1614. A nice house in Greenwich was apparently his way of saying sorry. The house was designed by the pre-eminent architect of the time, Inigo Jones. This was Jones's first major commission following his return from the study of architecture in Italy. Jones brought the classical influences of his study back to England, and these are reflected in the Queen's House. The great buildings of the preceding Tudor era had made much use of fantastical decoration: the Queen's House built in the classical tradition was much more understated in its design. In many ways Inigo Jones was ahead of his time, and it wasn't until the seventeenth century that this style of architecture became widespread in Britain. However, the building of the Queen's House does mark a shift away from the style of the Tudor era. If you want to visit a place that illustrates the change between the Tudor and the Stuart worlds, then the Queen's House is a building marking that watershed.

Queen's House from Greenwich Park

Construction began in 1616, and continued until 1619 when Anne died. Work recommenced in 1629 when James's son Charles the First decided that his wife Henrietta Maria needed a palace. The house was finally completed six years later, but Henrietta Maria herself only stayed there briefly.

The Civil War began in 1642, and the house was little used, the palace of which it was a part suffering damage during Cromwell's Commonwealth. After the Restoration the house was extended, and finally became the residence of a queen, with Henrietta Maria staying here frequently until her death in 1669. From 1690 the house became the official residence of the Ranger of the royal park at Greenwich. In 1806 the Naval Asylum School moved into the building. This was a school preparing orphans for a life in the navy. It was run with predictable harshness, as made clear by displays at the house today. In 1937 the Queen's House was opened as part of the National Maritime Museum, and during the 1980s the interior was restored to its appearance during the 1660s. Some of the furniture and paintings now in the building are original seventeenth century pieces.

Opening Times: daily 10am to 5pm, except 24-26th December. It closes early on 31st December and opens late on 1st January.

Directions: The Queen's House is in Greenwich Park off Romney Road. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Queen's House.

Access: all floors, and entrances are accessible to wheelchair users. Manual wheelchairs are available on loan.

Contact:

telephone: +44(0) 20 8312 6565

web site: www.nmm.ac.uk

 

It is possible to stay in the Greenwich World Heritage Site. Devoport House offers historic, and high quality accommodation.