First destination during my UK trip in October 2005, the Buckingham Palace.
Wandering in London was not my original plan; wanted to visit Oxford instead, but woke up late due to jet-lag. It was near noon when I reached the Victoria Station, so it’s more logical to stay in the city instead of going outskirt.
And within minutes from the station, I reached a familiar location, Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official residence.
Not sure if the Changing of Guards was held that day; the traditional routine (and popular tourist attraction) is normally done on alternate days. I managed to catch the show when I was in London in 2001, which was pretty interesting [schedule]
Buckingham Palace is also commonly known as the Buck House or simply the Palace by the British.
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. In measurements, the building is 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the central quadrangle) and 24 metres high.
If the queen is in the palace, the Royal Standard flag will be used; otherwise the Union Jack will be flown.
The first building in the area is believed to be built around 1624 by Sir William Blake; the house which forms the architectural core of the present palace was built for the first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in 1703.
King George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a personal retreat to St James’s Palace, where many court functions were held. Buckingham House also became known as the Queen’s House.
Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to take up residence in July 1837, just three weeks after her accession, and in June 1838 she was the first British sovereign to leave from Buckingham Palace for a Coronation.
In 1913 the decision was taken to reface the facade. Sir Aston Webb was commissioned to create a new design, and the work was completed just before the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
[with reference from Royalcollection]
UK & Europe travelogue
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