Marlborough House, Grade I listed mansion in St James's, City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
Marlborough House is a red-brick mansion on The Mall beside St James's Palace, designed by Christopher Wren and his son and completed in 1711. Its facade has a recessed five-bay centre with a stone balcony over the entrance steps, projecting end pavilions with circular medallions, and a roofline balustrade with a central flagpole. A third storey was added in the 1770s.
The estate was built in the early 18th century as a residence for Sarah Churchill and her family. The Crown took it over in 1817 and later used it as a residence for members of the royal family.
The house takes its name from Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who oversaw its building and told the Wrens she wanted it "strong, plain and convenient and good". Since 1965 it has housed the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Commonwealth of Nations has its headquarters here.
The building stands near St James's Palace and can be seen from Pall Mall. Access for visitors is limited because it serves as an administrative headquarters.
The Duchess dismissed Christopher Wren during construction and continued leading the project herself. She wanted to realize her own vision without making compromises.
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