The Strand
Somerset House
A one minute walk from The Strand
London ultra-
The main residence of the Royals was on this site before they moved to Buckingham Palace in 1775 (under George III). The current neoclassical-
Unfortunately for the Duke, he was executed for treason before he got to live in his palace and the property was confiscated by the Crown. It then went on to serve as a royal residence for various queens and princesses before being turned into a public building.
Notice how the river would originally have flowed right up against its southern facade. Boats would pass through the monumental arches at the base of the building to reach a secure dock for unloading cargo or passengers.