'Salisbury House in London, 1599-1694: The Strand Palace of Sir Robert Cecil'

This essay focuses on Salisbury House in London, the Strand palace built by Sir Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, between 1599 and 1612. So far neglected, a detailed history of this house can be based on the primary sources in the Salisbury archives at Hatfield House. The study begins with an investgation of Cecil’s role, one of the most important architectural patrons of his age. The evidence is then discussed of contemporary views of London, which are often an unquestioned base for the description of this vanished house. This leads a new identification of two series of plans of Salisbury House, which are analysed in the light of documentary sources as also re-configured and completed by reconstruction drawings. An examination of later alterations of Salisbury House provides an overview of its development, until the demolition in 1694.