1-232-545 - Reproduced by permission of Historic England/Heritage Images

Somerset House, Westminster, London, 2002. First built for Lord Protector Somerset in 1547-50 this was the first renaissance palace in England. It was given to Anne of Denmark in 1603 and was known as Denmark House until 1645. It was substantially rebuilt in the late 18th century at which time the Thames flowed up to the palace's frontage. Somerset House was the home of many royal societies in the 18th and 19th centuries. From 1836-1973 it was the offices of the General Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages.