From its 18th-century origins, Somerset House has been a centre for debate and discussion including the first home of the Royal Academy of Arts and other learned societies – an intellectual powerhouse for the nation. For over 200 years the building housed various government departments including births, marriages and deaths and the Inland Revenue until Somerset House Trust was established in July 1997 to conserve and develop Somerset House as an arts centre. After a campaign to open Somerset House to the public, we once again became a home for arts and culture in 2000.
Somerset House, London - Follow Somerset House on Instagram
Old Somerset House and the Thames c.1685 - Visit the Somerset House website
Somerset House, London - Follow Somerset House on Instagram
John O’Connor (1830-1889) The new Embankment, seen from the terrace of Somerset House c.1874 - Image courtesy Museum of London
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