The annexed print of is taken from the same point of view, and probably about the same period of time, as that executed by Sylvestre; to which it bears some resemblance. On comparing the plates, however, a considerable difference may be observed; the we are describing, not only representing the several objects with much greater accuracy, but also shewing some minutiæ which are not given in the print by Sylvestre; particularly the fragments of some ancient turretted buildings, remaining over the gateway adjoining the north end of the Banquetting House, as well as the gateway itself, which, from its high pointed arch, was evidently of an early date, and, with the former, undoubtedly constituted parts of the original palace which stood on this site.

The beautiful gateway at is shewn in a state of perfection, and the Banquetting House as then newly rebuilt. The latter was at that time, and had been in the preceding reigns, the great scene of courtly splendour. Many of the superb masques got up under the direction of Inigo Jones, were here represented with the most costly magnificence for the amusement of the sovereigns James I. and Charles I. In the reign of Elizabeth it had been equally appropriated to purposes of festivity. A specimen of the mode of doing this, is given in a MS. at the (Har. MSS. No. , Fo. ), entitled,

The Manere and Charge at the Makynge of the greate Banketynge House at

Whitehall

, at the Entertaynement of Mounsere, by Queene Elizabethe,

1581

.

This print is engraved from a drawing of the same size made by Hollar, and preserved in the Pepysian Library at Cambridge.