3-082-634 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The London Season: Marlborough House, 1895. 'Hedged around with high walls, the town residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales is not visible, save as regards its upper storeys, to the passer-by. The original Marlborough House was built for the great Duke of Marlborough after designs by Sir Christopher Wren. Here his body lay in state prior to its temporary interment in Westminster Abbey; and here died his imperious widow. The mansion reverting to the Crown in 1817, it became the residence of Prince Leopold (afterwards King of the Belgians), next the Queen-Dowager Adelaide, widow of King William IV., inhabited it. In 1861 Marlborough House was assigned as the residence of the Prince of Wales, and this necessitated many alterations in its construction. Hither the heir to the Throne brought his bride, and since then they have spent a good proportion of each year in this, the most important house in Pall Mall'. The house, designed by Christopher Wren, was built in 1711 for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, the favourite and confidante of Queen Anne. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.