Wellington Arch (English Heritage)
| Address: | Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 0370 333 1181 |
| Website: | |
| Opening times: | Daily Apr-Sep 10:00-18:00, Oct-Nov 10:00-17:00, Nov-Mar 10:00-16:00 |
| How to get there: | Tube: Hyde Park Corner |
| Entry fee: | Admission charge (joint tickets with Apsley House available) |
| Additional information: | Shop |
| On an island surrounded by the traffic of Hyde Park Corner, approached via an array of confusing pedestrian subways, is the triumphal Wellington Arch, formerly erected opposite the main entrance to Hyde Park but moved in 1883 to align with Constitution Hill. It now forms part of a processional route from Buckingham Palace to Kensington Palace (the massive gates are occasionally opened to allow horses and ceremonial cars through). Designed by Decimus Burton in 1828, in conjunction with the Hyde Park Corner Screen, it was at first topped with M. Cotes Wyatt’s much derided over-sized equestrian statue of Wellington (1838). Described as ‘a gigantic triumph of bad taste’ (Punch) and ‘a perfect disgrace’ (Queen Victoria), it was in fact liked by Wellington, who was upset at plans to remove it. In 1883 it was finally taken down and replaced with Adrian Jones’ magnificently animated Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War (1912). The arch has recently been restored and its rooms and viewing platforms are open to the public. | |
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