Next to the Savoy was the inn of the Bishops of Carlisle. This at the Reformation had been transferred by the Crown to the Russell family, and was then known as Bedford House.
But the Earls of Bedford moved over to the other side of the Strand, and built a new house on the site of Southampton Street, Strand; and Carlisle or Bedford House passed to the second Marquis of Worcester, whose son was the first Duke of Beaufort.
Anne Hyde, the daughter of the great Lord Clarendon, was married here privately at night to James, Duke of York, the house being then in the temporary occupation of Lord Clarendon. Being of great size and having a large hall, it was frequently used for public ceremonies.
Pepys speaks of Lord Clarendon making an appointment with him at 8 p.m. on his return to Worcester House, where Pepys waited for him. "Here I staid and saw my Lord Chancellor come into his great Hall, where wonderful how much company there was to expect him at a Seale." Beaufort Buildings occupy the site.
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