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Marlborough House was built for
Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough,a close friend of Queen Anne.
The Duchess wanted her new house to be 'strong, plain and
convenient'. Designed by Christopher Wren, both father
and son, the building was completed in 1711.
In the 19th century the house
was substantially enlarged and used by members of the Royal
Family. From 1863 until he became King Edward VII in
1901, it was the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
During this period Marlborough House became the social centre
of London.
An Art Nouveau memorial in the
Marlborough Road wall of the house commemorates Alexandra,
Edward's queen.
Today the building houses the
Commonwealth Secretariat.
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