Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
The Foreign Office was formed in March 1782 by combining the Southern and Northern Departments, each of which covered both foreign and domestic affairs in their respective geographical parts of the Kingdom. The two departments' foreign affairs responsibilities became the Foreign Office, whilst their domestic affairs responsibilities were assigned to the Home Office.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office occupies the building originally provided for the Foreign Office, the India Office, the Colonial Office, and the Home Office. It was constructed in 1861 and completed in 1868. The architect was George Gilbert Scott, who designed it in the Italianate style. Scott had initially intended to design it in Gothic design, but Lord Palmerston, the then Foreign Secretary, insisted on a classical style. When the construction began in 1861, Palmerston was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Getting there
Nearest Tube Station: WestminsterList of Government Buildings in London
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