Gwydyr House, Government building in Whitehall, Westminster, England
Gwydyr House is a government building on Whitehall in Westminster, distinguished by its prominent Palladian window positioned above oak doors. The structure now serves as the London base for the Wales Office and also houses the Greater London Lieutenancy.
The building was constructed in 1772 as a private residence for Peter Burrell. The Reform Club used it as temporary quarters from 1838 to 1840 before it eventually became a government office.
The name comes from a son of the original owner who later became a baron, reflecting how British political prominence was historically tied to family lineage and property ownership. This connection between personal status and architectural naming is still visible today through the building's formal designation.
The building is located on Whitehall, a central administrative area of London, and is easily reached on foot from other government offices in the district. As an active government building, the exterior can be viewed from the street, but interior access is not available to visitors.
The building was featured in the BBC comedy series Yes Minister as the Department for Administrative Affairs, making it instantly recognizable to British television audiences. Its distinctive Palladian window made it a memorable backdrop for the satirical government comedy.
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