I Events at Banqueting House
“His majesty received us in a great hall newly built for public spectacles, royally adorned with marvellous tapestries and gold.” Venetian ambassador on a visit to Banqueting House, 1625
II 1 Create classic moments on this irreplaceable stage When asked to design Jones’ architectural gem Whatever your occasion, our King James I a new banqueting would later become an artistic first-class events team is here house, the talented Inigo Jones marvel, when Charles I added to help you create that classic turned to the harmonious Peter Paul Rubens’ magnificent experience your guests will Picture principles of classical ceiling paintings. always remember. architecture. Today, the beauty and scale of Jones envisioned an elegantly this spectacular venue continue proportioned double cube, to inspire its guests, just as they calculated to meet the ancient did for the kings, queens and Roman idea of perfection. courtiers who have celebrated perfect Literally – the perfect space. and banqueted here since 1622.
2 3 Staged in a space purpose- 1654 September 1689 built for entertainment, Unforgettable, New head of state, King William III and ceremony and spectacle, Lord Protector Oliver 1660 Queen Mary II accept Cromwell receives The embassy of the the throne here in Banqueting House events ambassadors from Prince de Ligne, a the presence of the by design have been leaving an Holland. Receptions Spanish ambassador, assembled Lords were probably little is one of the first and and Commons. impression for nearly different from those most sumptuous visits 400 years of previous kings. in support of the newly restored monarchy. 1581 1622 1649 Queen Elizabeth I hosts A stunning new A defiant and dignified entertainments at banqueting house King Charles I, found Whitehall Palace is completed, giving guilty of treason, is connected with her King James I a executed on a scaffold marriage negotiations. spectacular setting outside the Banqueting She creates a for hosting elaborate House before temporary banqueting court masques. thousands of onlookers. house on this site. He hosts numerous performances, each more extravagant than the last.
1636 May 1660 1662 1796 Today Court masques cease because the Both Houses of Russian ambassadors George III, Royalty, statesmen, smoke and candles used in elaborate Parliament give visit King Charles II ‘all Queen Charlotte and celebrities, charities, performances threaten to damage the speeches here clad in vests of several five of their daughters businesses and private precious, newly installed, Rubens’ ceiling declaring their loyalty colours, with buskins, attend a Handel individuals continue to paintings. The king continues to hold to Charles II as the after the Eastern Commemoration use the Banqueting diplomatic meetings in Whitehall Palace’s monarchy is restored. manner; their caps Festival. Charitable House for occasions most prestigious reception room. of fur; tunics, richly concerts are a constant of all kinds. embroidered with gold feature here into the and pearls, made a 19th century. glorious show’.
4 5 Main Hall
Miraculous Irreplaceable Revolutionary 6 7 Capacity 500 for reception 380 for dinner
The space Specially created for entertaining in 1622, the Main Hall remains as versatile and inspiring as ever. Spacious enough to accommodate large receptions, awards ceremonies and dinners, yet intimate for smaller personal celebrations, this light and quiet room boasts wonderful acoustics and magnificent pillars soaring toward one of the world’s great masterpieces: Rubens’ irreplaceable ceiling.
Features – One of London’s most desirable event spaces – Peter Paul Rubens’ priceless ceiling paintings are breathtaking (see p12) – Guests make an entrance via a beautiful entry hall and grand staircase – Immaculate facilities include easily accessible toilets and Main Hall cloakroom
“Strange how a good dinner and feasting reconciles everybody.”
Samuel Pepys, 9 November 1665
A palace story After the previous banqueting house burned down, King James I was looking for a sumptuous and elegant replacement. He turned to the talented Inigo Jones, a highly regarded architectural advisor. Jones drew on the geometry of ancient Roman, or classical, architecture to design a building that created a sensation.
8 9 “It was the noblest masque of my time For centuries, royal palaces Whatever your vision – we will have relied on the ‘great hall’ help you transform this space into to this day, the best poetrye, best scenes, to accommodate all kinds a special experience your guests and the best habitts.” of occasions: sumptuous won’t forget. receptions, theatrical Sir Henry Herbert, who attended So call us to share your ideas. performances, moving concerts, a masque here in 1634 Or come and see this dazzling riotous celebrations and, of space for yourself. course, banqueting. For over 20 years we have The versatile helped our clients deliver successful events of every type in the Main Hall – from fundraising dinners to fashion Main Hall shows to milestone parties and celebrations.
10 11 Following defeat in the Civil War, King Charles I was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. His last moments were spent here as he stepped out through a large window on the north side of the hall and onto a scaffold. He was executed before a crowd of thousands, provoking a ‘dismal universal groan’. After 11 years of joyless Parliamentary rule the monarchy was restored James I entertained his in 1660 and Charles I’s court here for years with son returned from exile. incredible royal masques. Charles II’s triumphal These elaborate procession wound performances were through London to the something of a cross Banqueting House, between a ball, theatre where both Houses and a fancy dress party. of Parliament declared their loyalty.
The first and only couple to rule England jointly had their crowning moment here. William of Orange and Mary, elder In the daughter of deposed James II, were A miracle footsteps offered the throne at Banqueting House. masterpiece of kings From the moment they were It’s also a miracle they survive installed, Peter Paul Rubens’ today. In 1698, a careless A stage for some right masterful ceiling paintings have maidservant left some linen inspired revellers, dignitaries and to dry next to a charcoal fire, royal dramas, Banqueting all who gather beneath them. setting fire to Whitehall House has long been a place Palace and burning it to the King Charles I commissioned ground. Only a gate and the where history happens the Flemish artist to glorify his Banqueting House – with its father, King James I. Installed in spectacular ceiling – survived. 1636, Rubens’ paintings are a celebration of James’ life and wise government and depict absolute belief in the ‘Divine Right of Kings’. 12 13 Intimate Atmospheric Lively
The Undercroft 14 15 Capacity The space Features A palace story 380 for reception The intimate atmosphere of this – Kitchen is easily accessible The Stuart kings occasionally The 120 for dinner vaulted space offers guests a on the same floor used the Undercroft to escape pleasant complement to the – Air cooling for convenient public life. It was often used for soaring, majestic Main Hall. temperature control gambling during the reign of Undercroft Once enjoyed as a drinking den – Late-night drinking sessions Charles II. Diarist John Evelyn by King James I and his riotous, aside, it is also a wonderful described one unlucky evening party-loving courtiers, it still space for large dinners in 1664 where he, as well as serves as a wonderful space ‘the King, Queen-Consort and for drinks receptions and late Queen Mother’, won ‘only a trifle’. night parties.
“Since Bacchus, thou art father Of wines, to thee the rather We dedicate this Cellar Where now, thou art made Dweller.”
Dedication at its opening by playwright Ben Jonson, 1623
16 17 Space specifications
Main Hall The Undercroft
Capacity Capacity
Reception500 Reception380 380 Dinner 120 Dinner
– Nearby kitchen facilities on – Air cooling ground floor – Kitchen facilities available – Immaculate facilities include on same floor easily accessible toilet and – Immaculate facilities include cloakroom easily accessible toilet – Disabled access available and cloakroom via adjoining building – Disabled access available (please book in advance)
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Tower of Hampton Banqueting Kensington Kew Palace London Court Palace House Palace A hidden gem of a palace tucked away Breathtaking fortress Hosting magnificent One of London’s Where style meets among beautiful royal and iconic symbol of most desirable venues power, this elegant royal and unforgettable gardens a world city events since 1514 and home to the retreat enchants and irreplaceable surprises Rubens’ ceiling SteersMcGillanEves Design SteersMcGillanEves 20 21 Contact us to arrange a site visit T. 020 3166 6152 E. [email protected] www.hrp.org.uk 22