Also known as: Constitution Arch Formerly: Green Park Arch Built: 1825-1828 Designed by: Decimus Burton Type: Monument Location: Constitution Hil, London, United Kingdom
I ntended as a monument to the first Duke of Wellington, you'd never know it looking at the monument today. When it was erected in the early-1800's, the arch was topped by a massive statue of Sir Arthur Wellsley riding a horse created by Matthew Cotes. A trio of indignities later, and this could be a monument to anyone. The first came in 1882 when the monument was moved to Hyde Park Corner. Previously it had been a ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace. The second insult came in 1912, when the Wellsley statue was taken down and replaced by a quadriga by Adrian Jones, similar to ones in cities like Berlin, and Saint Paul, Minnesota. A third insult followed in the 1960's when traffic was routed around the arch, leaving it stranded on an island. Because of its location on Constitution Hill, and the lack of a Wellsley statue, many people think it's proper name is Constitution Arch. Inside the arch are exhibits, and access to a balcony which provides views of nearby London landmarks.
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