We welcome 3 million annual visitors to share this unique combination of public events, creative enterprise, and artistic practice. It is this mix that informs and powers our programme and makes it singular, compelling and accessible.
Many of our events are free and we encourage visitors to sit and enjoy our courtyard and terraces, without having to buy so much as a cup of coffee, as havens at the centre of London, but set back and away from cars, pollution and the hustle and bustle of street life. We offer free WiFi, are home to five cafes and restaurants, and relish family visits, dogs and children.
Likewise, though we reside in an iconic neo classical building, justly famous as the 18th century architect William Chambers' seminal masterpiece, we are at our best when navigating the now and powering the new.
Nowhere else will you find a major movie star introducing a world film premiere one moment, while experimental dance music fills a cellar the next. And where else can you spend an hour ice-skating while listening to a specially commissioned sound piece by a cutting-edge artist? Skip to main content. Our Team. In the Stamp Office was merged with the Tax Ofice, and in Inland Revenue was formed to take over both roles.
Homebuyers in the UK will be familiar with the 'stamp duty' payable on house sales, a reminder of the role once played by the Stamp Office.
The Stamp Stair is fascinating, but the Nelson Stair is stunning! This remarkably beautiful piece of architecture rises 6 floors from the basement to the third floor.
Each flight is different but together they add up to a marvellous piece of Georgian style. Chambers intended to build two matching stairs, but the eastern stair was cut from designs to save money. The stair takes its name from the fact that it led to the Navy Board Room, where the Navy Board held regular meetings, some of which were attended by Admiral Nelson.
They occupied about one-third of the building, with offices controlling the administration of ships, boatyards, stores, equipment, contracts, ship repair, and the myriad of tasks necessary to keep Britain's navy functioning.
The Navy Board looked after these 'nuts and bolts' practical tasks, while the Admiralty, with its offices at Whitehall, looked after policy and naval operations. The Navy Board stayed in Somerset House for almost years, long enough that the striking staircase leading to their boardroom to be forever linked to Admiral Nelson. It is worth exploring the terrace on the south side of Somerset House. Tucked into a large neo-classical niche is a striking war memorial, illuminated at night.
It's a bit of an odd experience to explore Somerset House. The wings on either side of the central courtyard are occupied by gallery spaces, but the central block is based around a relaxing space with several busy cafes, and a terrace looking over the river. We just wandered about photographing the beautiful Georgian interiors and no one seemed to mind.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library. Website: Somerset House Email: info somersethouse. We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned. Heritage Rated from 1- 5 low-exceptional on historic interest. Courtauld Gallery - 0 miles Museum. Roman Bath, Strand Lane - 0.
St Clement Danes Church - 0. London Transport Museum - 0. Theatre Royal Drury Lane - 0. Cleopatra's Needle - 0. Somerset House is one of my favourite London buildings. The current building we see today dates back to the 18th and 19th century, but its history goes way back to the 16th century. However, the Historical Highlights Tour, which takes place every week is a good place to start. Gravestones from the former Catholic chapel are now hidden under the courtyard. The first large house on the site was a two-storey property, which started to be built in However, Somerset was overthrown in October and was executed on Tower Hill in Anne enrolled architect Inigo Jones , among others, to make some improvements and additions to the long neglected house.
A small cemetery was established outside the chapel, with some of the 17th century gravestones being shown during the tour. Denmark House was taken away from the royals during the English Civil War in the s with General Thomas Fairfax establishing the headquarters of the Parliamentary Army there. Parliament tried and failed to sell the extensive property in , but subsequently ended up raising a lot of money by selling off the contents instead.
However, Henrietta never got to see her plans completed as she returned to France in , blaming her Bronchitis on the damp English weather. She finally moved out in and was the last royal to ever live in the property.
Over subsequent decades, the building was used as apartments, stables, offices and storage. The atmospheric light wells have been used in many TV and films. The Government thought London was lacking in grand public buildings and it was decided the site of Somerset House would be perfect for the public offices for the likes of tax, the Royal Navy and the Bargemaster, among others.
Scottish-Swedish architect William Chambers was enlisted to design the new project, which would take over the last two decades of his life. Chambers enlisted the assistance of engineer Thomas Telford and Thomas Hardwick Jnr — to create his Neoclassical wonder. The South Wing was completed in , meeting the River Thames.
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