In 1547, Edward Seymour, Lord Protector and Duke of Somerset, started building the palace for himself on the banks of the Thames. However, in 1775, after decades of neglect, the original Somerset House was demolished and architect William Chambers immediately started work on its replacement. In 1801 the new Somerset House was deemed complete.
Old Somerset House and the Thames
Since then, Somerset House has been home to many, including The Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries, The Navy Board, Inland Revenue and The General Register Office.
Image credit: Ed Reeve
In 1997 The Somerset House Trust was established to preserve and develop the Grade I Listed Building for public use. Notably, in 2009 the venue also became home to London Fashion Week for many years.
Today, Somerset House is home to cultural innovators, the UK’s largest creative community working globally across art, technology, business and social enterprise, we draw fresh ideas and new talent in, attracting over 3 million visitors a year to our historic central London location.
Image credit: Jake Davis
As an independent charity that does not receive any regular public funding, all income directly contributes to the diverse cultural programme, pioneering outreach work, support of emerging artists, and helps maintain a Grade I listed site, supporting an organisation offering immense value to a diverse and inclusive audience.