Venues

The crowning glory of the Banqueting House is its magnificent nine ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens – one of Europe’s most influential and important artists.

James I decided to use his fabulous new Banqueting House to stage this mystical ritual of monarchy, which was continued by Charles I.  Revived by his son Charles II in 1661, the ritual became wildly popular.

This magnificent painting by Peter Paul Rubens remains the largest surviving work by the Flemish artist still in its original location in Europe. 

As well as distributing cash, food and clothing, the monarch was also expected to wash the feet of the paupers who approached them.