Marble Arch

Marble arch was designed in 1827 by John Nash as the triumphal gateway to Buckingham Palace. At the time John Nash was an accomplished architect who was largely responsible for changing the architectural face of the city during the early 19th century thanks to his work on Regent Street, Buckingham Palace, Cumberland Terrace and his master plan for the Marylebone area, now the area around Regent's Park.

In 1851 the arch was moved to its current site at the northeast corner of Hyde Park. Some stories say it was moved because its center arch was too narrow for coaches to pass through, others claim that when the palace was expanded in 1851, Queen Victoria requested more personal space for her family.

Nash modeled Marble Arch on Rome’s famous Arch of Constantine, built in the fourth century. Both structures feature Corinthian columns and three arches: one large central arch and another on either side. The arch was decorated with a number of fine sculptures, all of which no longer remain with the arch but have been moved elsewhere.

The most notable was that of King George IV, which sat on top of the central arch. It can now be found in Trafalgar Square. Sculpted reliefs found at the top of the arch represent England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Though the gate once served as the main entrance to the palace, today – to many Londoner’s distress – it is found at some kind of no man's land, serving as a gateway between the neighborhoods of Bayswater and Marylebone. Back when it was located near Buckingham Palace, only senior members of the Royal Family as well as the Royal Horse Artillery and King’s Troop could pass through the Marble Arch. Today however you can freely walk through the arches.

Just next to the Marble Arch you’ll find Speakers’ Corner, where those who have something to say climb aboard their proverbial soapbox each Sunday morning and entertain passers-by with their political, social, or religious ramblings.