Carlton House Terrace

Carlton House was a palatial mansion that stood on the north side of the Mall. It was rebuilt from an existing house for Henry Boyle, 1st Baron Carleton (1669–1725), shortly after 1700. Frederick, Prince of Wales, bought the house in 1732 and it was granted to his grandson, George, later Prince Regent, in 1783. George remodelled, decorated and furnished Carlton House with excellent taste and at great expense but he moved out on his ascent to the throne as George IV in 1820.

The mansion was demolished a few years later, to be replaced by Carlton House Terrace, which consists of a pair of terraces, each of nine sumptuous houses, planned by John Nash (1752–1835) and completed in 1832. Former residents have included three prime ministers and more than a hundred members of the British and European nobility. Carlton House Terrace is presently home to several important institutions, notably the Royal Society and the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Early every July, the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition showcases innovative science, technology and engineering from around the UK, and there’s a programme of talks, panel discussions and family events. The exhibition is free and open for all to attend.