Case studies

Heritage Surveys were appointed to assess the condition of Henry VIII Wine Cellar in the basement of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Main Building and to comment on the historic significance and sensitivity to help inform ongoing conservation and maintenance of the structure.

The Wine Cellar was part of the former Royal Palace of Whitehall, which functioned as the principal London residence of the monarch from 1529 to 1698, when the site was devastated by fire.  

The Wine Cellar is the most important historic feature of the building and was moved from its original position in Cromwell House (previously part of York Place and then Whitehall Palace) and incorporated into the present building in 1949. The MOD Main Building now stands on the site of the former royal palace.