Somerset House, once the site of a spectacular Tudor palace, now includes a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing celebrated collections belonging to the Courtauld Institute Gallery, as well as the Embankment Galleries (which replaced the Hermitage Rooms and The Gilbert Collection - the latter re-opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum in June 2009). Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector of Edward VI, built the great mansion on the banks of the river to match his new-found status and rank. Following the Duke's execution for treason in 1552, the house passed onto Queen Elizabeth I and then Anne of Denmark and Norway - wife of James I - who christened it 'Denmark House'. Charles I's Queen, Henrietta Maria of France, was the next royal occupant. Having lived through the Civil War, the Great Fire, various refurbishments and other regal guests including Queen Catherine of Braganza, the palace fell into disrepair in the 1700s and was eventually demolished. Sir William Chambers was commissioned to design a replacement building whose purpose was to house various learned societies of the day. The current building still looks and feels like a palace with its great courtyard and elegant fountains, riverside terrace and magnificent collection of art and sculpture. It's easy to imagine a time when kings, queens and courtiers graced its grounds. Modern-day concerts now held in the courtyard echo the dramatic and musical masque entertainments popular during the reign of Anne of Denmark. While visitors have to pay to view the main galleries, admission to the courtyard, riverside terrace, restored Seamen's Hall, Nelson Stair, interpretation gallery and 18th century Commissioner's Barge are all free.
Skate At Somerset House
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
17th November 2009 - 24th January 2010
The grand 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular... More
Somerset House
Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
Gallery and former Tudor palace
Now a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing the celebrated Courtauld Institute Gallery and the ... More
The Gilbert Collection
Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL
June 2009
Following the closure of The Gilbert Collection at Somerset House on 27th January 2008, it... More
London's Christmas Ice Rinks
Various locations across London
14th November 2009 - 10th January 2010
The city gets its skates on in winter with many of the capital's most... More
The River Terrace Cafe at Somerset House
Strand, WC2R 1LA
Sun traps, river breezes and 18th-century grandeur off the Strand
This riverside cafe commands wonderful views of the... More
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, London's Inns of Court date back to before the 14th century. It is here that barristers train and traditionally ... More
This historic church of St Martin-in-the-Fields overlooking Trafalgar Square was designed by James Gibbs and built in 1726. It houses a glorious eaterie ... More
Courtauld Institute of Art,
Somerset House,Covent Garden,
London,
WC2RMap
Manet's 'Bar at the Folies-Bergeres', Van Gogh's 'Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear' and Renoir's 'La Loge' are just a few of the celebrated artworks displayed ... More
Opened on 24th April 2008, the Embankment Galleries at Somerset House offer 750 square metres of exhibition space where the Hermitage Rooms used to be. ... More
Just off the Embankment and overlooking the River Thames, this highly rated hotel is close to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank. Premium ... More
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House is always a favourite with kids. These jets of water are especially popular when they provide ...More
The grand 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular backdrop for one of the most popular ice rink's in town. Skating around under ...More
In the evenings, approach this restaurant through the fountained courtyard of Somerset House to get yourself in the mood for a magical meal. The Admiralty ... More
This riverside cafe commands wonderful views of the Thames from outside the 18th-century Somerset House. Large sunshades shield customers from the sun's reflective glare, while ... More
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and ... More
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the ... More
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll ... More
Before it was a hip private members' club designed specifically for the creative industries - complete with bar and dining rooms, cinema, TV and recording ... More
Overlooking Covent Garden Piazza, the Cove is a world away from the crowds outside. Tucked up in a worn, leather armchair under the pub’s low, ... More
Courtauld Institute of Art,
Somerset House,Strand,Covent Garden,
London,
WC2RMap
The Courtauld Institute Gallery houses wonderful Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. Manet's 'Bar at the Folies-Bergeres', Van Gogh's 'Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear' and Renoir's 'La ...More
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The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House is always a favourite with kids. These jets of water are especially popular when they provide ...More
The grand 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular backdrop for one of the most popular ice rink's in town. Skating around under ... More
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Somerset House, once the site of a spectacular Tudor palace, now includes a magnificent 18th century art gallery housing celebrated collections belonging to the 
