Somerset House, as it stands today, is a large building which is located on the Strand, right in Central London. This building dates back to around 1776 and has gone through many restorations, renovations and additions to its original structure. It was in 1547 that Edward Seymour, who was the then Duke of Somerset, pulled down many buildings in the surroundings of Chester Place. What he built instead was a house which was two stories, and was a good example of Renaissance architecture of the time. But till date, there is no information as to who has actually designed the building. The most imposing feature of the structure was its gateway, which rose to a length equivalent to about three stories.
It is known that after a few years, the ownership of the Somerset House went to the Crown, and Queen Elizabeth I is said to have lived there when the building was used as a royal palace. In the 17th century, the house was said to be inhabited by the queens of the reigning kings at the time. After the Civil War in England, in 1649, Somerset House was partly converted into the Army headquarters, and partly into lodgings for Parliamentary figures.
It is known that after a few years, the ownership of the Somerset House went to the Crown, and Queen Elizabeth I is said to have lived there when the building was used as a royal palace. In the 17th century, the house was said to be inhabited by the queens of the reigning kings at the time. After the Civil War in England, in 1649, Somerset House was partly converted into the Army headquarters, and partly into lodgings for Parliamentary figures.
In 1685, Sir Christopher Wren is said to have refurbished it. Somewhere in the mid 18th Century, the place was used to house Public Offices, including those such as The Salt Office, The Navy Office, etc. Sir William Chambers was assigned with the responsibility of designing the Somerset House, and after his death, it was James Wyatt who completed the majority of the construction which was left.
