The original construction began in 1708 when the then Duke of Marlborough was leased the land by Queen Anne. The house passed through several hands before the crown again took ownership in 1817 in order for Princess Charlotte to take up residence there. Several other royals lived there in the next 30 years before it became the first site of the Museum of Manufactures. However, the museum was only located at Marlborough House from May to September of 1952. Afterward, it moved up the street to Somerset House before moving again to its current location in South Kensington.