NEN Gallery

The first Somerset House, London was built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, the 'Protector' during the reign of the young Edward VI. After his downfall the building became royal property and became home to a number of queens of England including Elizabeth I and Catherine of Braganza. In the 18th century the palace was greatly re-designed by Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren. It became the home of the Navy Board, the Royal Academy, Royal Society and most famously the The Surveyor General of Births , Marriages and Deaths for over 200 years. At the end of the 20th century the new Fountain Court was built and the building became the home the Courtauld Institute and Gallery. The complex now holds regular outdoor classical and rock concerts as well as film shows on summer evenings.