Marlborough House facts for kids
Marlborough House is a grand house in Westminster, London, England. It was built in 1711 for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who was a close friend and trusted advisor to Queen Anne. After Sarah Churchill passed away, the house was owned by different members of the Marlborough family.
In 1817, Marlborough House became property of the British Crown, meaning it belonged to the royal family. It was used by several members of the royal family, including Queen Adelaide. For a while, it was even home to an art school called the "National Art Training School," which later became the Royal College of Art.
In 1861, the house became the London home for the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). He lived there for 40 years until he became king in 1901. Marlborough House continued to be a royal residence. Its last royal resident was Queen Mary, who lived there until 1953. After her death, her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, gave the house to the Commonwealth Secretariat. This organization helps countries that were once part of the British Empire work together, and they still use Marlborough House today.
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A Royal Home Through Time
Marlborough House has a long history of being connected to the British royal family. It started as a private home for a very important duchess. Over time, it became a key residence for princes and queens.
From Duchess to Crown Property
The house was built by Christopher Wren, a famous architect. He also designed St Paul's Cathedral. Sarah Churchill, the first owner, was a powerful woman. She was a close friend of Queen Anne. After Sarah's death, the house stayed in her family for many years.
In 1817, the house officially became property of the British Crown. This meant it was now owned by the royal family. It was a place for royal family members to live. For example, Queen Adelaide, who was the wife of King William IV, lived there.
A Prince's Residence
One of the most famous residents was the Prince of Wales. He was the son of Queen Victoria. He lived at Marlborough House for four decades, from 1861 to 1901. During this time, the house was a busy center for royal life and social events. It was his main home in London before he became king.
Queen Mary's Last Home
After Edward VII became king, Marlborough House continued to be used by the royal family. It was the last London home of Queen Mary. She was the wife of King George V and grandmother to Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Mary lived there until she passed away in 1953.
Home of the Commonwealth Secretariat
After Queen Mary's death, Queen Elizabeth II decided to give Marlborough House a new purpose. She offered it to the Commonwealth Secretariat. This organization helps 56 independent countries work together. These countries are mostly former territories of the British Empire. Today, Marlborough House is an important place for international meetings and discussions.
Images for kids
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In its original form Marlborough House had just two storeys. This illustration of c.1750 shows the garden front.
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Marlborough House – Rotating Summer House
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Eugène-Louis Lami, Entry to a Drawing Room at Marlborough House, 1871, Princeton University Art Museum
See also
In Spanish: Marlborough House para niños
