From the Templars to the City Corporation, the stories of Prince Henry's Room chart the history of a building on Fleet Street over four centuries. The site was once owned by the Templars, but after the dissolution of the Order of St John, the building was rebuilt in 1610 and became a tavern called Prince's Arms. This coincided with the investiture of Prince Henry, son of James I, as Prince of Wales.
The building has hosted a succession of occupants, from those visiting the tavern like Samuel Pepys to statesmen like Lord Thurlow, and even a hairdresser's. Myths have sprung up around Prince Henry's Room - that it was the home or palace of Henry VIII or Cardinal Wolsey. But the reality is simpler than fantasy. The building, now Grade II* listed, retains some Jacobean features in the original panelling and the plaster work. During the time of Charles I, on or about 1619, the Management of the Duchy of Cornwall held their sittings here.
These days it houses the offices of the Delegation of the Catalonian Regional Government to the UK. It offers a rare glimpse into the past, but only on special occasions. It was opened to the public for one day for the September 2023 London Open House Festival and received over 700 visitors.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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