Whitehall — Local services in London

The grand walk between Trafalgar Square and Westminster's Parliament Square. Made wide enough to build the scaffolding outside Banqueting House at the time of King Charles 1st's execution by decapitation for treason, 30th January 1649. He is the only English monarch to ever have been tried and executed for treason! It was due to his dictatorship of absolute power, lack of empathy and refusal to consider the opinions of others and the Irish uprising against his rule that started the Civil War 1642 to 1651. His Royalists against Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarians and the common people. Many thousands were killed throughout the land. Vast gun platforms were also erected here during the Civil War. His death is commemorated every 30th January in Banqueting House. Today it's dominated by official Government buildings. Including The Ministry of Defence (The War Office), The Treasury, Parliamentary Council Office. And The Horse Guards built 1750 - 1758 in palladium style. The only people who are allowed to drive through it's central arch other than the Household Cavalry are the Royal family. 2 mounted Household Cavalry Guards are posted outside in Whitehall everyday between 10am and 4pm. They change...

This street is full of history. My last visit was for St. George's day parade. My friends and I were kindly invited in to Westminster abbey after the parade by the organisers, and we got to see the tomb of the unknown soldier. Very moving moment. A friendly word of advice for civillian tourists to the area. DO NOT mess with the Queens Guard. Do not get in their way. They have every right to shout at you to make way or push you if you interfere with their duties, and dont try to pet the horses or walk behind them as they may bite or kick. Just...

Whitehall is a historic street lined with government buildings and monuments, connecting Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament. It’s interesting if you enjoy London’s political and architectural history, and there’s plenty to see nearby like Downing Street and the Cenotaph. However, it’s often crowded and can feel quite formal, with lots of traffic and security around. Worth walking through once, but not a place you’d...