On 12 Jan 1618-19, the old Banqueting House is consumed by fire and Inigo Jones was hired to replace it.

The old Banqueting House was only completed in 1606 as a replacement of the Tudor banqueting house. As the popularity of the Jacobean court masques grew, so did the desire for a grander performance space. However, when King James I saw the finished building in 1606 he was disappointed. Around 12 years later, workers clearing up a masque accidently set fire to the oil-painted scenery and the Banqueting House was burnt to the ground. Inigo Jones was the architect of the moment, and was quickly hired to replace it. The fashionable Palladian building that he designed was completed to James I’s delight in 1922.  

Today in 1554: Mary I and Philip II of Spain are married in Winchester Cathedral.

A portrait of Philip by Titian had been sent to Mary in advance of the marriage. Their wedding took place just two days after meeting and the couple honeymooned at Hampton Court Palace. An Act of Marriage was drawn up to ensure the joint authority of the husband and wife. Mary was 38 when she married and Philip was 11 years her junior.

Mary I ©  Active Museum, Alamy Stock Photo

Today in 1540: Henry VIII marries Catherine Howard

The ceremony took place on the same day as the execution of Henry's once trusted adviser, Thomas Cromwell, at the Tower of London. Catherine was Henry's fifth wife, and the pair were married just three weeks after his second divorce. However, rumours of Catherine's alleged love affairs quickly reached Henry. Catherine was arrested at Hampton Court Palace and executed at the Tower of London in 1542.