Palace House
King Charles II's residence - An historic royal venue for every occasion
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Palace House, located in the heart of Newmarket, is the
oldest surviving part of King Charles II’s royal residence. Suited to small,
intimate gatherings or larger parties, this royal residence now offers you
three centuries of history as a beautiful backdrop to any event or occasion,
whether it be a wedding, christening, private function or business
meeting.
Palace House is both remarkable and unique: Completed in
1671, the character and setting created by William Samwell reflected the
King’s informal style and his passions for hunting, the theatre and
horseracing.
King Charles II brought his entire court to
Newmarket each spring and summer, establishing the annual pattern for
race meetings and Newmarket’s recognition as home to the ‘Sport of Kings’. Among the oldest racing stables in the world built by the King are directly opposite Palace House and Rowley Mile racecourse is
named after the King’s favourite horse ‘Old Rowley’.
In the 1880’s, Palace House was bought by the Rothschild
family as their racing headquarters. Edward VII was a frequent visitor and in
1946, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and her daughters, Princess Elizabeth
& Princess Margaret stayed here.
During the restoration of Palace House in the 1990's,
the oldest surviving example of a counter-balanced sash window was discovered
resulting in the revision of architectural history books.
After centuries of hosting Kings, Queens, political leaders,
and stars of stage and screen, this historic house is enjoying a new lease of
life. Today, with the adjoining Mews Stables, Palace House, located in the
heart of Newmarket, offers a beautiful, historic and unique venue for civil ceremonies, wedding receptions, private functions, exhibitions, meetings and much, much
more.