Marlborough House, London

Private
(Visited as part of “Open House London.”)
A former royal residence hidden behind Pall Mall. It was originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren for the Duchess of Marlborough, who dismissed her architect in 1710 and supervised the work herself. It was finished in 1711. In the nineteenth century the house was substantially altered and extended, with added wings and two more floors. The Crown bought back the lease in 1817, and the last royal resident was Queen Mary (died 1954, widow of George V). It became a Commonwealth centre in 1962.
The double-height Blenheim Saloon has ceiling paintings originally made for the Queen’s House at Greenwich, wall paintings depicting the battle of Blenheim, and other art. Downstairs are a series of finely decorated staterooms, with art. There are two stairwells with wall-paintings.
There is a large and attractive garden at the rear, but as it is largely laid out as lawn you need not allow much time for looking around it. Keep off the grass!
Not normally open to the public (except by pre-booked group tour).
Exterior photos only.