Wellington Arch

Sitting proudly at the top of Constitution Hill, The Wellington Arch stands as the central feature of the area known as Hyde Park Corner. Once intended as an elaborate entrance gate for Buckingham Palace, the arch was eventually repurposed as a monument to The Duke of Wellington, the man responsible for leading British troops in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo. Although his large, 8.5 metre statue is now long gone, it has since been replaced by a quadriga. This representation of the angel of peace descending upon the chariot of war is the largest bronze statue ever cast in Europe and has been impressing visitors for over 100 years.

The arch has had many uses over the years, most notably as one of London’s smallest police stations. In recent years it has gained popularity as a gallery with regularly changing exhibitions, and its viewing balcony allows visitors a wonderful view over the parks and grand mansions that litter this corner of London.