The Banqueting House is simply a vast hall, similar to a basilica, with strong walls supporting a double-cube chamber (think of it as two exactly equal cubical spaces joined together). It can hold up to 200 people. The building was originally constructed in 1545-1550 for Cardinal Wolsey by Richard Southwell. It was later used by Charles II after he was released from captivity in France and again during the reign of King George III. Today, it functions as a museum hosting many of the royal family's possessions including their personal clothes and items related to their careers. The Banqueting House is located on Whitehall Place in Westminster, London. It takes its name from the banquet tables which used to line the entire length of the room back in its early days when it was first built. These tables have since been removed but photographs show that they were quite large and probably made of wood. In case you're wondering, no, the Banqueting House has never been used for a banquet.