SOMERSET PLACE

Tudor Palace built on 'The Strand', on the north bank of the Thames, by Edward Seymour.

Land purchased by Seymour in 1537, and building commenced in 1549.

Ownership of palace taken into possession of the crown in 1552 following execution of Seymour.

Place of residence of Princess Elizabeth during reign of Mary I.
Also known as 'Somerset House' and 'Strand Place' during reign of Elizabeth I.

KEY EVENTS

1539 - Plot of land granted to EDWARD SEYMOUR from Henry VIII "at Chester Place, outside Temple Bar, London", on the Strand.

1547 - EDWARD SEYMOUR begins building project for a 'palatial residence', demolishing Inns of chancery and nearby houses.

22 Jan 1552 - Execution of EDWARD SEYMOUR at Tower Hill; ownership of 'palace' (which is still not complete) passed back to the Crown.

Dec 1552-Jul 1553 - ROBERT DUDLEY appointed 'Official Keeper' of Somerset Place; known to reside here until arrest in Jul 1553. Wife AMY ROBSART also resided here.

1553-1558 - Princess Elizabeth (as 'Lady Elizabeth') moves into Somerset Place; resides here during reign of half-sister MARY I until she ascends the throne as ELIZABETH I.

1558 - Following ELIZABETH I's succession, Somerset Place for a time becomes place of residence of ANNE STANHOPE, Dowager Duchess of Somerset.
Elizabeth I also resides here on occasion, as well as leasing house to cousin Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hundson.

18 Aug 1604 - 'The Treaty of London', ending the 19 year Anglo-Spanish war, is negotiated and signed at Somerset Place - now known as 'Denmark House' in honour of Queen Anne of Denmark. Charles Blount, Earl of Devonshire (PENELOPE DEVEREUX's long-time lover and later husband) part of English delegation and present at signing of treaty, and portrayed in famous portrait 'The Somerset House Conference'.