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Burlington House

Burlington House is a historic mansion on Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, originally built as a private residence before becoming a hub for arts and sciences. Here are some fascinating facts about it:

  • Built in 1664: The house was originally constructed for Sir John Denham, a poet and architect, before being sold to Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Burlington, in 1668.
  • Neo-Palladian Transformation: The 3rd Earl of Burlington, a patron of Palladian architecture, remodelled the house in the 18th century, incorporating classical colonnades and Baroque interiors.
  • Meeting Place for Intellectuals: Burlington House became a gathering place for Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and John Gay, fostering literary and artistic discussions.
  • Government Acquisition (1854): The British government purchased the house for £140,000, repurposing it for learned societies.
  • Current Occupants: Today, Burlington House is home to the Royal Academy of Arts and five prestigious societies, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, Geological Society, and Linnean Society.

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