The Marble Arch, located at the corner of Hyde Park, is one of London’s most recognizable and famous sites. Here is its unique and rich history.
Location
The Marble Arch is located at one of the Royal Parks, Hyde Park. It is located on the opposite side of some of the most iconic buildings in London and one of the most famous Restaraunt near Marble Arch, the Kensington Hotel. There are also numerous sights to view as you tour the area, leaving you spoilt for choice.
Design
The Marble Arch was designed by John Nash and intended to commemorate the British triumphs in the Napoleonic Wars. It was also to act as a gateway to the expansive Buckingham Palace. However, the arch commissioned by King George IV is not the one in place today. This is because he died without seeing its completion. The incoming king, William IV, deemed the costs too expensive and commissioned architect Edward Blore to oversee its completion. This meant the completed structure lacked some designs, with one of the most majestic being the statue of King George IV. The original design of the Marble Arch is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Relocation
When Queen Victoria took over the throne in 1837, Buckingham Palace was still unoccupied. It was also deemed too small to hold a large court. Therefore, expansion works began, and the Marble Arch was relocated to the corner of Hyde Park. Some of the memorable events to have taken place through the Marble Arch are the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1853 as she passed through the iconic gates. It is still used extensively today in royal processions.
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