This was the first purely classical Renaissance building in Britain, a private royal retreat for the wife of the king (as opposed to a ruling queen), it represents a turning point in English architecture; a simple, bright white, classical, Palladian villa flanked by colonnades. Originally conceived as a hunting lodge and addition to the Palace of Greenwich, it also acted as a bridge spanning the public road to Deptford, which divided the park in two. It revolutionised Jacobean architecture, and went on to survive the tumultuous times of the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell stripping the Stuarts of the residence. The Stuart "Tulip Staircase", believed to be the first spiral staircase in Britain, has been reinstated and takes its name from the beautiful floral patterning on the wrought-iron balustrade.

Written by  George Monkhouse.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address