Posted by: Hannah Giles  |  Posted on: March 29th, 2026

BKS Visit to the FCDO: A Journey Through History

BKS members at the Guided Tour of the FCDO

On 13th March 2026, fifteen fortunate BKS members were invited to a guided tour of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, expertly led by Patrick Salmon, Chief Historian at the FCDO.

From the moment we entered the magnificent historic building on Whitehall, we were struck by the contrast between old and new. The grand Victorian interiors of this historic building are complemented by a newly designed courtyard garden, creating a space that harmonises heritage with contemporary design.

The building itself is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. The Foreign Office and the former India Office were designed by George Gilbert Scott and Matthew Digby Wyatt respectively, reflecting the ambition and global outlook of Victorian Britain through richly decorated interiors and imposing classical façades.

As we moved through the corridors, we encountered a remarkable collection of murals and paintings illustrating themes from British history and diplomacy. Every painting hung had its own story to tell, brought vividly to life through Patrick’s expert commentary. Highlights included a stop outside the Foreign Secretary’s office, where a well-known painting hung on the wall, and a visit to the Ambassadors’ Waiting Room.

We also admired the grand staircase and stood in the impressive reception rooms, where many important diplomatic events have taken place. Patrick explained that, in the past, some of these ornate spaces were adapted for more practical office use, including the lowering of ceilings.

The tour offered a fascinating insight into both the architectural significance of the building and the evolving role of British diplomacy. Our sincere thanks go to Patrick Salmon for his engaging guidance and exceptional knowledge of the FCDO’s history and art collection.

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