Clarence House

See upcoming events at Clarence House

Clarence House was built in the early 19th-century for the Duke of Clarence – later King William IV. A second storey was added in 1873, and much restoration work was needed after the Blitz.

Map of London showing Clarence House

Clarence House’s first royal resident was King William IV, who lived there between 1830 and 1837. Buckingham Palace was just a stone’s throw down the Mall, but he much preferred the elegant decorations by John Nash. In fact, when the Houses of Parliament burnt down in 1834, he even offered the Palace as replacement!

The next monarch – Queen Victoria – wasn’t quite so keen on the place, and moved into Buckingham Palace as soon as possible. The house was then turned over to her mother, who lived there for twenty years.

Charles, the Prince of Wales

A long series of occupants then followed, including the Queen Mother’s daughter – the Duchess of Edinburgh (now Queen Elizabeth II). But when the King died in February 1952 she rose to the throne and moved to Buckingham Palace. Her mother then moved back into Clarence House.

When the much-loved Queen Mother died in 2002, her grandson – Prince Charles, together with his two sons and Camilla – all moved in.

Guided tours of Clarence House

Clarence House is currently only open to the public for two months during the summer, but tickets have to be booked well in advance.

Facts and information

Address:
Clarence House, Cleveland Row,
London SW1A
England
Telephone:
Work +44 (0) 207 766 7303
Fax:
Fax +44 (0) 207 930 9625
Bus route:
8, 9, 14, 19, 22, 38
Train station:
Green Park JB PC VC
Opening times:
10–5.30 (Aug–Sep)
Cost:
Adults £7.50; Children £4.00 (5–16); Infants free (under-5)
View of Clarence House, the London home of Prince CharlesClarence House
Black-and-white drawing of Clarence House, circa 1874Clarence House, c.1874

Clarence House – Related articles…

Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Watch the Changing of the Guard.

Events at Clarence House:

External links:

 Clarence House
Home

Find a place to stay

Find a room in London
Site map