Until the eighteenth century, Buckingham House, which occupied the site, was the London home of the Duke of Buckingham but in 1762, King George III bought the house and moved there with his young consort Queen Charlotte.
King George IV, who acceded to the Throne in 1820, commissioned his architect John Nash to build a state palace and much of the structure and decoration of Buckingham Palace as we see it today are due to Nash and his Royal Patron. Nash was commissioned to add to the existing building rather than to rebuild entirely. He added wings at the front and increased the depth at the back, creating along the first floor of his new Garden Front an unrivalled suite of rooms. Nash was dismissed after George IV's death and the Palace was completed in Queen Victoria's reign.
George IV never lived at Buckingham Palace, nor did his younger brother William IV (1830-1837), who succeeded him.
Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to live in Buckingham Palace. The nineteen year old Queen took up residence just three weeks after her accession, on 13th July 1837.
Nash's palace soon became too small for a growing family and in 1847, the East Front was constructed by Edward Blore, joining the wings of Nash's palace and closing the forecourt. The facade was refaced in 1912.
The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace was opened in 1962 to hold exhibitions featuring works of art from The Royal Collection, one of the finest art collections in the world.
Forthcoming exhibitions include:
Faberge
24th March 1995 - 7th January 1996
Admission Charges
The Queen's Gallery:
Adult - ú3.50; Over 60s - ú2.50; Under 17s - ú2; Family Ticket - ú10.
The Royal Mews:
Adult - ú3.50; Over 60s - ú2.50; Under 17s - ú2; Family Ticket - ú10.
Combined Ticket (The Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews):
Adult - ú6; Over 60s - ú4; Under 17s - ú3; Family Ticket - ú15.
The State Rooms (August and September only):
Adult - ú8.50; Over 60s - ú6; Under 17s - ú4.50.
Arrangements for visitors using wheelchairs and those with special requirements: The principal rooms of Buckingham Palace are on the first floor and it is essential for wheelchair users to book admission in advance. To prebook and for further information, telephone INT'L +44 171 839 1377 and ask for the Visitor Office.
General Information
For further information, including group rates, on The Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews and the Summer Opening of the State Rooms, telephone INT'L + 44 171 839 1377 and ask for the Visitor Office. Recorded Information Line (24 hours), telephone INT'L +44 171 799 2331.
Opening times for The Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews and the State Rooms are subject to change at short notice.
Nearest Tube Stations: Green Park, St. James's Park, Victoria.
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