London Branch members visit architectural wonders of Whitehall
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A privileged group of London Branch members and guests were treated to a walk exploring the history and Architectural splendors of Whitehall on a sunny Tuesday evening on 10 June 2008.
Desmond Fitzpatrick, a Blue Badge guide and true ‘renaissance man’ provided an inspirational and insightful glimpse into the political intrigue and the thinking behind designers of the centre of British government for last 500 years.
Whitehall is the main road running north from Parliament Square, centre of national government towards the southern end of Trafalgar Square.
Proceedings commenced at the meeting point of the Clarence public house to the north east area of Whitehall. Historic buildings viewed and commented upon included York Place which was renamed as Palace of Whitehall, the term White Hall being commonly used for grand assembly places.
The Cenotaph is a key structure to the southern part of Whitehall and is the site of the annual service of remembrance held 11.00am on the closest Sunday to 11 November (Armistice Day). Domestic and state apartments were built towards the river largely on the site now occupied by the Ministry of Defence.
The centre of Whitehall is dominated by military buildings including the Ministry of Defence, the Horse Guards building and the Admiralty. Horse Guards is a large Palladian style building situated between Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade built between 1751 and 1753.
Horse Guards is always guarded by troopers from the Household Cavalry both mounted and on foot. The Changing of the Guard takes place here. This area is particularly popular with tourists. Horse Guards Parade was recently utilised for recent celebrations of the Queens official birthday. In the same vicinity is the Cabinet Office, the Foreign Office and HM Treasury.
The walk continued through Horse Guards Parade through to the edges of St James’s Park and via Birdcage Walk, Queen Anne’s Gate back through Whitehall and past Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister which is opposite the Foreign Office. The walk then continued along Whitehall travelling north back to the meeting place at the Clarence pub where members and guests legs had a well earned rest and a light buffet to close the very pleasant evening.
Thanks to Donald Mahon for organising the event and to Desmond Fitzpatrick for conducting the walk with a fascinating insight into one of Britain’s most famous streets.
The next walk is taking place on 10 September 2008 around Kensington. see the London Events Web site and Contact Magazine. These events prove to be very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Claire Hierlehy to book your place chierlehy@ciob.org.uk.
