Monuments and memorials of Hyde Park
Hyde Park and the Kensington Gardens are home to a multitude of memorials and monuments. Take a peek at some of them in this loop around Hyde Park.
- Theme
- Natural Wonders
- Location
- Kensington, London
- Duration
- 2 hours 35 minutes
- Designer
- Autoura
Experience
Route
Wellington Arch
Built as the original entrance to Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch later became a victory arch in recognition of the Duke of Wellington’s victory over Napoleon. It’s crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe.
Wellington Monument
A statue of the Greek hero Achilles commemorates Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, and his victories in the Napoleonic Wars. It was inagurated on the 18th of June 1822, 7 years after the Battle of Waterloo.
Hyde Park bandstand
The Hyde Park bandstand is one of the oldest in the country. Originally found in Kensington Gardens, it was moved to Hyde Park in 1886 and hosted concerts three time a week.
Princess Diana memorial fountain
An oval stone fountain dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It was officially opened on the 6th of July 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II.
The Albert Memorial
Opened just 11 years after his death, The Albert Memorial commemorates the life of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s beloved husband. It’s designed in the Gothic style and features a gilt bronze statue of the late prince.
Queen Victoria statue, Kensington Palace
Sculpted by Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter Princess Louise, the statue outside Kensington Palace depicts the famous queen in her coronation robes. It was designed to celebrate Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
Kensington Palace
The official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace has been a residence of the Royal Family since the 17th century. It’s State Rooms are open to the public.
Peter Pan Statue
Kensington Garden’s most famous fictional resident, the statue of Peter Pan has stood here since 1912. It was commissioned by J.M. Barie, Peter Pan’s creator, and built by Sir George Frampton.
Statue of Edward Jenner
Edward Jenner was a physician, scientist, and a pioneer of the world’s first vaccine. This statue, dedicated in his honour, was unveiled in Trafalgar Square in 1858 and was moved here in 1862.
Norwegian War Memorial
The Norwegian navy and Merchant Fleet gave this large granite boulder in 1978 to give thanks to the people of Britain for their support during the Second World War.
Reformer’s Tree
The reformer’s tree was a popular meeting point for political protest. It was supposedly burned down during a Reformer’s League protest in 1866. The mosaic was unveiled in 2000.
Speaker’s Corner
Speakers may speak at SPeaker’s Corner on any subject at all and has been a bastion of free speech since the 19th century. Figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, and Kwame Nkrumah frequented the corner.
Marble Arch
Designed in 1827 by John Nash to be the state entrance to the cour d’honneur of Buckingham palace, the Marble Arch is 45 feet high and was completed in 1833.
About
This route was designed by Autoura.
