Kensington Palace

The Unicorn and Lion on the gates of Buckingham Palace 

Kensington Palace was first a Jacobean mansion built in 1605, then it became the home of  the 1st Earl of Nottingham and was known as Nottingham House. 

When William and Mary became joint monarchs in 1689 they searched for a home away from the Thames due to William's frail health and asthmatic condition. They bought Nottingham House from the 2nd Earl of Nottingham for 20,000 pounds and began renovations. Of course, Christopher Wren was the architect. 

Next Queen Anne lived there. Then King George I and George II took up residence there. Each monarch added wings and structural changes, paintings and remodeling. 

George III did not live at Kensington Palace but a few of his sons did. 

At the conclusion of the 19th century the Palace's State Rooms had been neglected. The brickwork held decay and the woodwork had infestations of dry rot. But Queen Victoria rallied Parliament in 1897 to pay for the restoration. The State Rooms were opened to the public in 1899. Thus began the dual role of the Palace of being a private residence and a public museum. 

During World War II the Blitz of 1940 took out the north side of Clock Court and damaged the Queen's Apartments. Repairs were not completed for many years and then the palace entered a neglectful time.

But in 1981 it became the home of the Prince of Wales, Charles and Princess Diana. Even after their divorce, Princess Diana and her sons Prince William and Prince Harry called Kensington Palace home. However, after her death the Palace lay vacant for ten years.

But in 2011 it was announced that Prince William and Princess Kate would make Kensington Palace their home. After renovations of 7.6 million dollars, it now has electricity, plumbing and all the modern conveniences. And now their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte are growing up in Kensington Palace. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2