Lancaster House

Lancaster House, originally known as York House and then Stafford House, is a historic mansion on The Mall in London that was built in the early 19th century for the Duke of York and Albany. The house was completed in 1838 by the 2nd Marquess of Stafford, who later became the 1st Duke of Sutherland, and was known for its lavish interiors and grand staircase. The house was used as a residence by the Sutherland family until 1912, when it was purchased by Sir William Lever, who renamed it Lancaster House and presented it to the nation in 1913. Since 1922, Lancaster House has been used for diplomatic receptions and related functions by the Foreign Office and has housed the Government Wine Cellar, the London Museum, and hosted various international meetings and events, including the signing of the agreement of independence for Malaya in 1956.learn more on wikipedia