Whitehall is the area of government buildings that extends from Trafalgar Square to Parliament square. The name comes from Henry 8ths Palace of Whitehall, of which the banqueting House is the only surviving part. The Horse guards, on the west side of Whitehall, duly maintain their traditional sentry posts, as this is the official entry to the royal palaces, even though Whitehall burned down in 1698, and St James' Palace has long ceased to be the main royal residence.

Opposite is the Banqueting House, built in 1619 by Inigo Jones for James 1st as englands firts Renaiisance building and inspired by Jones hero, the 16th century Italian master Palladio. Its major feature is a splendid ceiling by Rubens, commissioned by Charles 1st. Ironically it was in front of the building that Charles was beheaded in 1649.

Just a few yards away is 10 Downing street, office and residence of the prime minister since 1735. Barriers at the end of Dowing Street prevent public a

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