The story starts with a royal address, not a travel ad
Most travellers dream of castles and palaces, but what about the ones that no longer stand? Carlton House was once the beating heart of Georgian London’s high society — a lavish palace just down the road from St James’s Park where princes held court and politics pulsed through drawing rooms. So does Carlton House still exist? Not quite. But its legacy still shapes the city — and if you know where to look, you can still walk in its shadow.
What Was Carlton House — and Who Lived There?
Before Buckingham Palace was a big deal, Carlton House was the crown jewel. This sprawling mansion was handed over to the future King George IV (then Prince of Wales) in the late 1700s. And he didn’t hold back.
A Royal Bachelor Pad Like No Other
Old George poured money into the joint like there was no tomorrow. Marble staircases, Murano glass chandeliers, Gothic dining rooms, and all the trimmings of royal ego. Designed in the Louis XVI style with some flair of the Neoclassical style, the house was decadent from top to bottom. Benjamin Wyatt, James Pennethorne and even John Nash had fingers in the architectural pie over the years.
Who Built It and Why It Mattered
Carlton House originally belonged to Henry Boyle, 1st Baron Carleton — related to Richard Boyle — back in the early 18th century. After Queen Anne granted it to him, it eventually found its way into the hands of George III and then to George IV. William Kent and Henry Holland also left their mark on its interiors. It mattered not just for its grandeur, but because it was the political and social nerve centre of London in its heyday — a stomping ground for the likes of Charles James Fox, the Duke of Devonshire, and even the Duke of Norfolk.
So, Does Carlton House Still Exist?
Here’s the short answer: no, not physically. Carlton House was demolished in 1826 — barely a decade after George IV became king. But its ghost still lingers.
What Happened to the Building?
When George IV moved to Buckingham Palace, Carlton House got the chop. Literally. Its fittings, Portland stone facade, and decorative elements were sold off. Some ended up in other landmarks like the National Gallery, Windsor Castle, and the Duke of York’s Column. Bits of the Crimson Drawing Room, Gothic Conservatory, and Grand Staircase survive in fragments.
Carlton House Terrace: A Fancy Echo of the Past
In its place rose Carlton House Terrace, designed by Decimus Burton and John Nash — part of George IV’s grand plan to develop Regent Street and Regent’s Park into a neoclassical showcase. Today, it houses the Royal Society, British Academy, and overlooks landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Wellington Barracks.
How to Visit the Site Today: A Modern Explorer’s Guide
You won’t find tour signs or souvenir shops. But if you’re curious — and a bit of a history sleuth — here’s how to trace its remnants.
Head for The Mall and Waterloo Place
Carlton House stood at the eastern end of The Mall. Start your walk near Waterloo Place, pass Pall Mall, and swing by Carlton Gardens — you’re on the old footprint.
Look for Plaques and Street Names
Plaques at Carlton House Terrace mark the legacy. Buildings echo the old Piano Nobile layout, and some original features were recycled into places like St James’s Palace and the London District Headquarters.
What You’ll See (and What’s Gone)
- Gone: The lavish Chinese drawing room, Octagon Room, and the Carlton House Column.
- Remains: Design elements in surrounding buildings; some of the old foundation stones repurposed nearby.
- Newcomers: The Carlton Club, the Union Club, and a few Grade 1 Heritage buildings recognised by English Heritage.
The Legacy Lives On — In More Places Than You’d Think
Carlton House might be gone, but it left footprints across London and beyond.
Architectural Influence
- Its decorative motifs influenced Gothic style interiors from the Reform Club to the Royal Garden structures.
- Architects like Sir Robert Smirke and Owen Jones took cues from Carlton House when designing other public buildings.
Cultural References
- Referenced in British History Online, letters from Joseph Planta MP, and articles featuring the likes of Lord Lake and Sir Matthew White Ridley.
- Oscar Wilde, Genghis Khan (yes, really — referenced in some Bollywood films shot nearby), and Viscount Ridley are all part of its extended social lore.
Royal Drama and Financial Ruin: George IV’s Parting Gift
Now here’s where it gets spicy. Carlton House wasn’t just known for its chandeliers.
The Party Years
George IV used Carlton House to throw legendary parties — think fireworks, opera singers, and more champagne than sense. Lavish throne rooms, West Ante Rooms, and the Chinese Drawing Room played host to society’s elite.
Massive Debts and Political Pressure
The house cost taxpayers and the Crown Estate a fortune. In the wake of the Napoleonic Wars and scandals like the Charge of the Light Brigade, sentiment turned. It became more useful as rubble.
Practical Tips for History Buffs in London
Love a good time-travel moment? Here’s how to fold Carlton House into your itinerary.
Walking Tour Stops Nearby:
- St James’s Park
- Pall Mall
- Buckingham Palace
- Trafalgar Square
- St Martin-in-The-Fields
Best Season to Wander:
- Spring or Autumn — fewer crowds, softer light for photos
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A copy of a Regency-era London map (some apps have overlays)
- Curiosity and patience — you’re chasing ghosts, not attractions
What Locals Know That Tourists Often Miss
- The term “Carlton Set” still circulates in political circles and the gaming club scene.
- Some decorative stonework from the original house can be found inside the Irish Church and even near the Blackwall Tunnel.
- Bits and pieces now rest in private collections brokered by auction houses like Knight Frank.
Final Thought: You Can’t Sleep There, But You Can Still Visit
Carlton House may be long gone, but its echoes are stitched into the bones of London. Whether you’re a royal buff, a Regency romance fan, or just love digging into what used to be, this old palace still has stories to tell — if you know where to stand and listen.
FAQs About Carlton House
Where exactly did Carlton House stand?
It was located at the eastern end of The Mall in London, near what is now Carlton House Terrace, Pall Mall, and Carlton Gardens.
Why was Carlton House demolished?
It was considered too expensive to maintain after George IV became king. The Crown Estate preferred to develop the land, and Buckingham Palace became the new royal residence.
Can you visit Carlton House today?
Not the original building, but you can walk around Carlton House Terrace and nearby landmarks that reused or referenced the original materials.
Are there any original pieces of Carlton House left?
Yes — materials were repurposed into other London landmarks like the Duke of York’s Column, Windsor Castle, and even show up in satellite offices of institutions like the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Is Carlton House mentioned in literature or archives?
Yes, heavily. From Jane Austen’s era letters to digitised resources like British History Online, and works by architectural historians like L.W. Cowie and Patrick Baty.
Need help planning your UK heritage deep dive? Shoot me a message — happy to point you to more ghost landmarks worth walking for.
