Set your time machines to February 6, 1665, and prepare to step into a London brimming with intrigue, grandeur, and the birth of a future queen. Queen Anne, destined to be the last of the Stuart monarchs, was born on this day at St James’s Palace. Her reign would see the unification of England and Scotland, the rise of the two-party system, and an artistic flourishing known as the “Age of Anne.” Let’s embark on a week-long city break to explore the London of 1665 and the world into which Queen Anne was born.
Day 1: Arrival in Stuart London
Destination: St James’s Palace
Start your journey at the heart of it all: St James’s Palace, where the newborn Princess Anne entered the world. Built by Henry VIII in 1531, this Tudor masterpiece was already steeped in history by the time of Anne’s birth. While you won’t be invited into the royal nursery, you can soak up the atmosphere outside the palace gates and imagine the bustling activity within.
Take a moment to chat with courtiers (careful—they’re gossipy!) and hear the buzz about Anne’s birth. As the fourth surviving child of James, Duke of York, she’s not yet destined for the throne—but history has a way of surprising us all.
Day 2: Explore Stuart London’s Splendour
Destination: The Strand and Covent Garden
Stroll along The Strand, one of London’s most fashionable streets, lined with the mansions of the city’s elite. Continue to Covent Garden, a vibrant hub of markets, street performers, and coffee houses. The bustling energy of Stuart London is on full display here, offering a window into the world of trade, art, and entertainment.
Day 3: Dive into Courtly Intrigue
Destination: Whitehall Palace
Visit Whitehall Palace, the seat of royal power and the centre of Stuart intrigue. It’s the perfect place to learn about the politics and personal dramas that shaped Anne’s family. From her father, James, Duke of York (later James II), to her uncle, King Charles II, the Stuarts were never short on scandal or spectacle.
Don’t miss the Banqueting House, designed by Inigo Jones. Its magnificent ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens celebrates the divine right of kings—a concept that Anne’s reign would challenge in unexpected ways.
Day 4: A Taste of Stuart Culture
Destination: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Indulge in the artistic spirit of the Age of Anne with a trip to Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. While the theatre’s current building dates to 1812, its Stuart predecessor was already entertaining Londoners with plays, masques, and musical performances. The 1660s saw a revival of theatre under Charles II, and the vibrant cultural scene of Anne’s youth would later inspire her patronage of the arts.
Day 5: A Glimpse of the Plague Year
Destination: The City of London
Anne’s birth year was marked by the Great Plague of London, a grim backdrop to her arrival. Take a tour of the City to learn about how Londoners coped with the epidemic. Visit landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral (the old Gothic one, pre-Wren) and the bustling port along the Thames. While the plague may cast a shadow, it’s a testament to London’s resilience that life carried on.
Day 6: Reflect on the Making of a Queen
Destination: Hampton Court Palace
Venture outside the city to Hampton Court Palace, a royal retreat where Anne would later spend time during her reign. The gardens and grand architecture provide a tranquil escape from the chaos of Stuart London. Reflect on the challenges Anne would face as queen, from her struggle to produce an heir to her role in the Act of Union.
Day 7: Celebrate Anne’s Legacy
Destination: Kensington Palace
Fast-forward a few decades to visit Kensington Palace, which Anne transformed into her primary residence. Stroll through the gardens she loved, and imagine the political debates and personal triumphs that unfolded within its walls. End your week with a toast to Queen Anne’s enduring legacy as a monarch who balanced personal hardship with national achievement.
Did You Know?
- The Last Stuart Monarch: Queen Anne was the final monarch of the Stuart dynasty, reigning from 1702 to 1714.
- A Union of Crowns: Anne oversaw the Acts of Union in 1707, uniting England and Scotland into Great Britain.
- A Passion for Piety: Despite her political challenges, Anne was deeply religious and known for her devotion to the Church of England.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Mind Your Manners: Stuart court etiquette is complex. A well-timed bow or curtsy can go a long way.
- Blend In: Don period-appropriate attire to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb in the courtly crowd.
- Stay Healthy: Plague precautions are no joke in 1665—carry a pomander and avoid crowded areas when possible.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of Queen Anne’s life and legacy, these resources are a great starting point:
- Books:
- Queen Anne: The Politics of Passion by Anne Somerset
- The Last Stuart Queen by Eva Scott
- Websites:
- Historic Royal Palaces (www.hrp.org.uk)
- British History Online: Queen Anne (www.british-history.ac.uk)
- Articles:
- The Legacy of Queen Anne on BBC History Extra
- Anne and the Union of 1707 in History Today
London in February 1665 offers a unique blend of royal pageantry, artistic vibrancy, and historical intrigue. From the grandeur of St James’s Palace to the cultural revival of the Stuart court, this trip promises an unforgettable journey through the early years of a queen who would leave her mark on British history. Don’t forget to pack your wits, your finest attire, and maybe a plague mask—just in case.
