"where the Waterloo Bridge meets the beach of the aldwych, stands the famous neoclassical somerset house. the first palatial residence on this side and with this name was built in the 16th century by the herduke of somerset, more vague to king heinrich viii. Since then it houses several royals queen and consorts, various important personalities, various seats of learning, admirality, poor and many other government departments and offices. during its long history it was rebuilt, had added wings and underwent many renovations, among others such lighthouses of the architectural world as inigo jones, sirristopher wren, sir william chambers and james wren. oliver cromwell's body was here in condition, canaletto painted it twice and, lastly, it has shown in many films and music videos. in winter, the central courtyard houses a popular ice rink and is used for other times as an open-air concert, especially the “Summer Series” that takes place in juli. in the center of the hof is a playful fountain of 55 vertical water jets, rising to random heights. with other words, it is an impressive, elegantly beautiful building in the heart of london and, on the river thames, one of the great sparkling jewels of the city."
