Marble Arch

Marble Arch was designed by John Nash in 1828. Built of white Carrara marble, the design was taken from the triumphal arch of Constantine in Rome. It was erected to form a grand gateway to Buckingham Palace. When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert decided to enlarge the palace in 1851, room was made for the extension by removing the vast arch, which then became an entrance to Hyde Park.

The upper part of the arch has been used as a place for police surveillance. During a riot in 1855 the crowd were brought to order by a body of police, who emerged from the arch taking the demonstrators by surprise.

The area in which Marble Arch now stands was known as Tyburn, the site of the three-legged gallows, a place of public execution, where crowds gathered to witness the gruesome sight.

At Hyde Park corner, people still gather today at what is known as Speakers Corner, but happily for a less macabre reason. On Sunday afternoons speakers and hecklers assemble to debate a variety of topics.

More Pictures

Nearby Attractions

• Princess Diana Memorial Fountain (<1 Mile)*
  A ground-breaking project in many regards, The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain was opened in 2004 as a permanent, public tribute to the memory of Princess Diana.
  
• Madame Tussauds (1 Mile)*
  Filled with 14 exciting, interactive zones and the new Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history.
  
• Apsley House (1 Mile)*
  Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital's finest residences. Also known as 'Number One London', because it was the first house encountered past the toll-gate into London from the countryside.
  

Cavendish Apartments (1 Mile)* Cavendish Apartments specialise in providing short and long-term serviced apartments in prime central London locations. We are one of the most established serviced apartment companies in London. We have two properties located at 62 and 65 H

Sloane Club Suites (1 Mile)* The Club Suites are part of Londons prestigious private members club, The Sloane Club, which provides a safe, quiet and comfortable place to stay in central and fashionable Chelsea.

Kensington Park Apartments (1 Mile)* In the heart of Kensington, just metres from Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and High Street Kensington London Underground station, these apartments offer a great-value alternative to traditional hotel accommodation.

more self catering near Marble Arch ...

 Copyright © 1999-2013 Excelsior Information Systems Ltd. All rights reserved.
About Us  Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Index  Site Map  Contact Us

Nearby Attractions

• Princess Diana Memorial Fountain (<1 Mile)* A ground-breaking project in many regards, The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain was opened in 2004 as a permanent, public tribute to the memory of Princess Diana.
  
• Madame Tussauds (1 Mile)* Filled with 14 exciting, interactive zones and the new Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history.
  
• Apsley House (1 Mile)* Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital's finest residences. Also known as 'Number One London', because it was the first house encountered past the toll-gate into London from the countryside.
  
• L. Ron Hubbard's Fitzroy House (1 Mile)* Set in the heart of Fitzrovia, famed for its writers and artists, Fitzroy House was built in 1791 shortly after development was undertaken of this area.
  
• Buckingham Palace (1 Mile)* Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the sovereign, and was first opened to the public in 1993. The History of Buckingham Palace begins in 1702 when the Duke of Buckingham had it built as his London home.
  
• Royal Mews (1 Mile)* The Royal Mews was built by Nash in the 1820's as the Mews for Buckingham Palace. The entrance off Buckingham Palace Road is through a Doric archway surmounted by a clock tower.
  
• National Portrait Gallery (1 Mile)* The National Portrait Gallery in London contains over 175,000 portraits of British men and women, of historic importance from 16th century to the present day.
  
• Lord's (1 Mile)* You don't have to be a cricket lover to be thrilled by Lord's. When you tour this world-famous arena you tread in the footsteps of the giants of the game.
  
• Science Museum (1 Mile)* Situated in Exhibition Road, South Kensington, the Science Museum contains all the wonders of our industrial and technological age.
• Nelson's Column (1 Mile)* Nelson's Column is the focal point of Trafalgar Square. Admiral Nelson was one of Britain's best-loved heroes, who fought valiantly for his country.
  

Nearby Towns

• London (1 Mile)* With hundreds of years of history, yet a vibrant modern feel - there's nowhere in the world like London. No wonder it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
  
• London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (3 Miles)* The Royal London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an exclusive central borough on the west side of London. It is situated on the banks of the River Thames
  
• City of London (3 Miles)* The square mile which is known as "The City" in London is situated on the north bank of the River Thames.
  
• London Borough of Southwark (4 Miles)* The London Borough of Southwark is situated directly opposite the City of London on the south bank of the River Thames. It is one of the boroughs which form Inner London.
  
• London Borough of Haringey (6 Miles)* The London Borough of Haringey is in North London, beyond the central boroughs of The London Borough of Islington and The London Borough of Hackney
  
• London Borough of Ealing (7 Miles)* The London Borough of Ealing is situated to the west of London, adjoining the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to the east.
  
• London Borough of Greenwich (7 Miles)* The London Borough of Greenwich is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, on the east side of London.
  
• Edgware (7 Miles)* Known to most Londoners simply as the name of a road and one of three final destinations for north-bound Northern Line trains, Edgware marks the northern edge of the suburban sprawl of Greater London.
  
• Richmond-upon-Thames (8 Miles)* Richmond is a handsome town on the river Thames and is a most attractive place either to live in or to visit.
  
• Isleworth (8 Miles)* Isleworth is an historic part of London, the boarders lead down to some of the finest stretches of the Thames. Isleworth borders Twickenham, Brentford, Hounslow and is 10 minutes from Richmond.