This is the view from Greenwich Park looking down on the Maritime Museum and The Queen's House which is the building in the centre. Behind the Museum and separated by a road is the Naval Hospital which is now the University of Greenwich. The colonnades that you can see in the picture are supporting the old road which was moved into that position in 1699 to link the buildings and to separate the Naval Hospital from the Park.
The Queen's House was commissioned by James I for his wife Anne of Denmark. The building was designed by Inigo Jones between 1616 and 1635 as a garden villa to complement the Tudor Palace at Greenwich. However the Queen died in 1619 and work was stopped for 10 years until King Charles I recommissioned Inigo Jones to complete the project so he could give it to his Queen, Henrietta Maria. She only stayed there for a short time after it was finished, as the Civil War began in 1642. It is the first fully classical building in Britain and the only surviving one from the Palace of Greenwich. The rest of the Tudor buildings being destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil war.
It is known that Henrietta returned to the building when she became the Queen Mother and lived there until her death in 1669.
Walking beneath the old road
The beautiful Tulip staircase inside the House.
The cubic Great Hall
This is the ceiling of the Queen's Bedchamber and is the only surviving painted ceiling in the House.
The house is now used to display paintings from the National Maritime Museum's fine art collection.
It is known that Henrietta returned to the building when she became the Queen Mother and lived there until her death in 1669.
Walking beneath the old road
The beautiful Tulip staircase inside the House.
The cubic Great Hall
This is the ceiling of the Queen's Bedchamber and is the only surviving painted ceiling in the House.
Very interesting. Thanks for the info and photo tour!
ReplyDeleteThe old elevated road is really interesting. Imagine opening your eyes to that ceiling every morning!
ReplyDeleteWinding staircases--my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWhat a venue for displaying art. I love that staircase too! Spectacular top shot.
ReplyDeleteAmazing house. Love the staircase!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool place to visit! Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteGreenwich was our favorite place of all the favorite places when we were in London. It was the only place we went back to again and again while we were there. I loved everything about it... I wanted to move there! Thanks for the memories and the wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreenwich is such a nice place to visit, but I haven't seen the Queen's house, looks beautiful !
ReplyDeleteLoved the staircase!
ReplyDeleteDo you know where Trinity Square is? Our rental apartment in London is 15 Trinity Square. It overlooks the Tower according to the VRBO description. http://www.vrbo.com/873710ha If you know the area, would appreciate any restaurant recommendations or must do or see items. Thanks. Departure date coming up soon.
That beautiful tulip staircase just takes my breath away, it's so lovely. The entire place is wonderful, but that... and your picture is perfect as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is some house.. Thanks for the tour
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photos you made of the interior of the house.
ReplyDelete