A famous and expansive neo-classical building in London, Somerset House is located off the Strand on the north bank of the River Thames. For the Lord Protector Somerset, the original Somerset House was constructed between 1547 and 1550. The stone for the building came from the priory church of St. John Clerkenwell and the charnel house of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Some dispute who designed the first Somerset House; some say Sir John Thynne, others John of Padua. In 1775, William Chambers, the Surveyor General, built a new structure after demolishing Somerset House. Neo-classical architect Chambers designed a large structure with a distinct north wing that is organised around a central courtyard. A statue of George III was erected in 1788 to serve as the courtyard’s focal point. The Thames reached the south terrace’s base directly (this was before the Embankment was built). Robert Smirke’s east wing was added in 1835, expanding Chambers’ original plan.
Over the years, Somerset House has served as the headquarters for a number of the most illustrious institutions in Britain, including the Royal Society, the Society of Antiquities, the Royal Navy, and the Inland Revenue. The General Register of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, which was housed in Somerset House’s north wing for more than a century until 1973, is the organisation that is most frequently associated with the building. Today, Somerset House serves a variety of purposes and includes a museum, offices, cafes, art galleries, and a seasonal ice rink. In 1990, the Courtauld Institute of Art relocated here, followed by the Courtauld Gallery eight years later. Somerset House has been the home of the Gilbert Collection of mosaics, silver, and gold since 2000. The neo-classical architecture is pretty impressive, and the view from the riverbank terrace is excellent, making a visit to Somerset House quite an experience. The Courtauld Gallery requires a fee, although entering the building is totally free. The entrance to the gallery is on Strand, although you may access the rest of Somerset House from either Strand or Embankment. The interior of the structure features two remarkable old sets of stairs.
The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery next to the National Gallery that has a sizable collection of portraits of well-known British individuals. The portrait collection was established in 1856 with the single goal of inspiring future generations by collecting portraits of the most significant and illustrious figures in British history. Only dead people’s portraits were on display when the museum first opened. This is no longer the case, and living celebrities who are British are now featured in the exhibitions. Despite not always being exceptional pieces of art, the paintings, photos, sketches, sculptures, and caricatures in the museum serve as historical records of various periods in the history of the UK.
The portraits are shown chronologically, beginning on the top floor. Visitors can view 1485 paintings of various Tudor and Stuart family members as well as the most prominent figures from the English Reformation (from the sixteenth century). One floor lower, you’ll find paintings of the most notable British people from 1837 to 1990, like Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill, and Paul McCartney. Contemporary portraits from 1900 to the present day are included in the lower gallery. Contemporary portraits from 1900 to the present day are on display in the lower gallery, along with a few temporary shows. Though less well-known than the National Gallery, a neighbouring institution, the National Portrait Gallery is a very fascinating institution. Visitors can learn about the most significant eras in English history by viewing pictures of hundreds of well-known Britons, including William Shakespeare.
The Gallery in St. Martin’s Place is currently closed to the public until 2023 as necessary building work is done in order to finish the redevelopment quickly and to protect visitors, staff members, and the Collection.
The Bishop of London has his seat in St. Paul’s Cathedral and it is The Mother Church of the Diocese of London. It is one of the biggest cathedrals in Europe and is one of the most striking landmarks in London because of its massive design and rich historical heritage. Between 1675 and 1711, Christopher Wren built it, and it blends both innovation and tradition. In addition to being a magnificent work of art in and of itself, the cathedral is also the location of other magnificent churches from various historical periods. Despite having been demolished four times throughout history, it still stands as a symbol of peoples’ faith. The cathedral has hosted all the major occasions, from art installations to state funerals and royal marriages. Additionally, it sports a 366-foot-high dome that is the largest in the world. Even the quietest whispers are carried across the dome in the cathedral’s main attraction, the Whispering Gallery. This is also where St. Paul, Florence Nightingale, Sir Alexander Fleming, William Blake, and many other well-known people have their graves.
The church being situated on Ludgate Hill, is the highest point in the city. On a relatively new London Bridge, you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral across the street in spectacular detail. On this location, there were a total of 4 churches. Because the previous one was completely destroyed by fire in 1087, the current one was built.The Cathedral’s immense dome, the best-known and one of the most beautiful catherdral domes in the world, is the main draw. It is 111 metres high and made of two distinct levels of stone, making it a unique architectural achievement. The iconic dome of the Pantheon in Rome served as the basis for the interior decoration of the cathedral. At the top of the dome, there is an oculus and 8 Sir James Thornhill-painted ornaments. These pictures depict Paul the Apostle’s life. The majority of significant occasions, including the 1981 wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles, the 80th and 90th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II, and the thanksgiving services for the Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees, took place in St. Paul’s Cathedral. The church has sparked the creativity of many filmmakers and artists around the world.
