St James's Palace: From Leper Hospital to Royal Court

St Jamess Palace is the least known of the royal residences, but this first modern history sheds new light on its role as home to the heir to the throne and its impact on London and the West end. It includes specially commissioned maps, plans, and digital reconstructions of the palace.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

In this comprehensive and groundbreaking work, the authors delve into the rich history of St. James's Palace, shedding light on a remarkable building that has played a pivotal role in the history of the British monarchy. Despite its significance, St. James's Palace remains by far the least known of the royal residences. The book explores the palace's role as the official residence of the British monarchy from 1698 to 1837, a period marked by significant political and social changes. It delves into the palace's transformation from a private home to a grand royal residence, its impact on the development of London and the West End during the late Stuart period, and how it became the principal seat of the British monarchy following the fire at the palace of Whitehall in 1698. The authors also provide a detailed account of the arrangement and display of the paintings and furnishings that make up the Royal Collection at St. James's, tracing the fortunes of the palace through the Victorian and Edwardian periods and up to the present day. Specially commissioned maps, phased plans, and digital reconstructions of the palace at key moments in its development accompany a rich array of historical drawings, watercolors, photographs, and plans. Additionally, the book includes a foreword by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, further adding to its significance and authority.

Weight: 2168g
Dimension: 258 x 311 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300267464