Here stands Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. But it wasn’t always this way. Let’s journey back to understand its story.
Until the mid-18th century, Lord Mayors had to use their own homes. Alternatively, they used livery halls for their crucial governmental, judicial, and civic duties. The Great Fire of 1666 sparked an idea. Why not create a permanent residence for the Lord Mayor? This would solve the problem for those without a livery hall.
However, it took nearly a century for this idea to materialize. George Dance the Elder, the City’s architect, was chosen. He designed and built the Mansion House. The first stone was laid in 1739. Sir Crispin Gascoigne was the first Lord Mayor to reside here. The Mansion House was finally completed in 1758.
Mansion House stands imposingly in the Palladian style. A grand temple portico graces the front. Flights of steps ascend on each side. The entertaining rooms were strategically built on the first and second floors. The first floor originally featured a roofless courtyard. Later, this became the Salon. The Egyptian Hall also sits on this floor. The second floor houses a ballroom. It also contains the private apartments of the Lord Mayor and family. Meeting and staff rooms occupy the third and fourth floors. Cellars provide storage. They once held prisoners’ cells reflecting the Mansion House’s past as the Lord Mayor’s Court.
Over the years, Mansion House has seen changes. About 50 years after its completion, large roof pavilions were deemed unsafe. George Dance the Younger, son of the original architect, removed one in 1795. The other was removed in 1846. The main entrance was moved to the side. This change came after road works narrowed the esplanade at the front. Refurbishments occurred in the 1860s, 1930s, and early 1990s.
Originally intended as an eight-stall stable and coach house, the Walbrook Entrance never served that purpose. In 1846, James Bunning designed a new side entrance. This allowed the Lord Mayor to enter and exit privately. The benches date back to 1811. The chairs were crafted during the 1991-93 refurbishment. The 18th-century Hallkeeper’s Chair stands out. It shielded the Hallkeeper from drafts as he greeted guests. A drawer at the bottom held hot coals to keep him warm. This entrance now leads guests to the vaulted areas on the ground floor. From there, they ascend to the Salon.
The Salon, initially a roofless courtyard, was covered by George Dance the Younger. It offers a grand reception area beneath crystal chandeliers. These chandeliers have their own interesting history. Originally, they were shared with the Guildhall. They were moved back and forth at great risk. Inevitably, some were broken during transport. The Mansion House was then granted its own lights. In 1875, Messrs Osler created and installed the chandeliers that adorn the Salon today. Each crystal contains over 30% lead. This enhances its sparkle and color.
The Drawing Rooms are interlinked. Their decoration is inspired by descriptions from the mid-19th century. The Nile Suite chairs and sofas first furnished these rooms around 1803. The Long Parlour remains largely unchanged. It hosts business meetings and dinners. Its furnishings evoke the mid-18th century character of the room.
The Egyptian Hall, despite its name, has no Egyptian decoration. It’s based on Roman designs by Vitruvius. Italian architect Andrea Palladio popularized this style in the 16th century. Marble statues from 1854-64 adorn the hall. The stained glass dates from 1868. The paintwork resembles the original stone color, creating a dignified atmosphere.
Today, Mansion House continues to serve as the Lord Mayor’s official residence. It stands as a testament to London’s history and civic pride. Its walls have witnessed countless formal functions, speeches, and historical moments. It is not generally open to the public, tours can be arranged. As you stand here, consider the long line of Lord Mayors who have passed through these doors. Think of the decisions made and the history unfolded within this magnificent building.