Buckingham Palace
With
its architecturally defined profile, this is one of London's most popular
historical buildings. Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 for the Duke of
Buckingham. Later restored by Nash, the present facade was planned by Sir Aston
Webb in 1913. Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the Sovereign.
When
the Queen is here, the royal standard flutters over the palace. The Royal
Mews, in Buckingham Palace Road, house the coaches and horses used on all state
occasions and are open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday. The Queen's
Gallery, also in Buckingham Palace Road; has especial exhibitions from the
Royal collection and may be visited every day except Monday. In its entirety,
the Palace and the beautiful gardens which surround it occupy an area of
approximately 40 acres. Altogether this is one of the most interesting places
in London for the tourist.
The
ceremony of the Changing of the Guard that takes place daily at eleven o'clock
in the morning. Every day a large crowd of people gather to see this famous and
traditional ceremony. It is an event that, in spite of its regularity, appears
to be a solemn classical ritual, of purely British flavour.
Buckingham
Palace is not only the royal residence: it's a small city under one roof. It
has a cinema, a post-office, some caffees and a restaurant, a hospital and even
a night club. More than 700 people work here every day.