Published as part of Hollar's series of 'English views', the present view shows Lambeth Palace from the river at Whitehall Stairs. In the foreground the north bank of the Thames is occupied with a range of buildings, some with stairs leading directly down to the water's edge. A two-storied wing at the centre has a slope leading down to a collection of ferry boats, which passengers could use to cross the Thames, as indeed numerous figures are doing in Hollar's view. Unlike the Privy Stairs further up river which led directly through a passage to the quarters of the royal pages and royal cooks, Whitehall Stairs was a public landing place.