What Happened to Carlton House London?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever heard of the Carlton House in London? It was once a grand palace that stood tall and magnificent in the heart of the city.

However, today, it is no more than a distant memory. So, what happened to Carlton House London?

The History of Carlton House London

Carlton House was built in 1709 for Henry Boyle, the Lord Carleton. It was a beautiful mansion that boasted of elegant architecture and stunning interiors. Over the years, it passed through various owners until it was eventually bought by King George IV in 1783.

The King then commissioned architect Henry Holland to redesign and expand the house to make it fit for a king’s residence. The result was a grand palace with opulent rooms, lavish furnishings, and extensive gardens.

For nearly four decades, Carlton House served as the primary residence of King George IV. It became famous for its luxurious parties, exquisite artworks, and grandeur. However, after the king’s death in 1830, the house fell into disuse.

The Demolition of Carlton House

In 1827, King George IV had commissioned architect John Nash to design a new palace that would replace Carlton House as his primary residence. The project was named “Nash’s Palace” or “The Marble Arch.”

However, before Nash could complete his work on Nash’s Palace, King George IV died in 1830. His successor William IV had no interest in continuing with Nash’s project and instead moved into Buckingham Palace.

Without any royal patronage or purpose, Carlton House became an unnecessary expense for the government. In 1829-30, it was decided that Carlton House would be demolished and its site used for new developments.

The demolition began in 1828 and continued until 1846. The expensive furnishings were auctioned off while parts of the building were sold off or used to construct new buildings.

The Legacy of Carlton House

Today, nothing remains of Carlton House except for a few fragments preserved in museums. However, its legacy can be seen in the grandeur and elegance of the buildings that were built on its site. The Carlton House Terrace, which was built in the 1820s, still exists today and is considered one of the most prestigious addresses in London.

In conclusion, Carlton House London was a grand palace that served as a royal residence for nearly four decades. However, after King George IV’s death, it fell into disuse and was eventually demolished to make way for new developments. Its legacy is still visible today in the grandeur of the buildings that were constructed on its site.