Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the painting above the entrance,
The Union of the Crowns
,
James points his
scepter at two ladies—England and Scotland—warning them to get along. James united
the two bickering countries, having been crowned both King of Scots (in 1567) and King
of England (1603). Smoke clouds of peace rise in the background as Cupid (bottom left
corner) torches the weapons of war. The ladies place a crown on a baby's head and lead
him to the throne. It's James' son, the future Charles I. When Charles grew up, he had this
painting hung so that he could see it (right-side up) while seated on the Banqueting House
throne.
