Unusual Sights in London Weird & Wonderful London Spencer HouseSpencer House
Spencer House is named after John, 1st Earl Spencer an ancestor of the late Diana, Princess of Wales – who commissioned its building in 1756. Spencer House is a
private palace in St James's.
As the home of successive Earls and Countesses Spencer the state rooms of the house became a magnet for London's high society. The Spencer family lived at the mansion successively until 1895, when the house was let. The Spencers returned for a brief period in the first quarter of the 20th century; then again the house was let, as either a club or offices. During the blitz of World War II it was stripped of its few remaining authentic treasures, specially made furniture, and fireplaces.
At the end of the 20th century Spencer House was restored under a consortium led by Lord Rothschild. The palace's state rooms have been furnished with paintings, sculpture and furniture including original pieces like Vardy's elaborate giltwood console tables in the Dining Room and the return of Stuart's Painted Room suite, both on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum. It remains, with Apsley House, one of the last of the many private palaces which were once common in London.
Spencer House allows very limited access to the public. Entry is by an hour-long guided tour only. These tours can take a group of 20 maximum and leave at regular intervals over the day. It's a house of remarkable beauty that few have seen and although tricky to schedule (only open one day a week), if Georgian architecture and interiors of stunning beauty interest you - it's really no bother at all.
Open: Sun only 10:30-5:45pm (except January and August - but check by phone first)
Admission: Adults £9, Children £7 (no children under 10 admitted, no pre-booking)
Spencer House, 27 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NR.
Nearest Tube: Green Park
Call: 020 7499 8620
Spencer House, St. James's - a brief history
