Wellington Arch in Celebration of a British Victory

England’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is an arch erected in 1826 to celebrate the Duke of Wellington’s victories in the Napoleonic Wars. Originally the arch served as the northern gate into the grounds of Buckingham Palace before being moved to its present position opposite Aspley House as part of a new city planning scheme.

The rooms inside the arch at one time housed London’s smallest police station. Now there’s a permanent exhibition on the statues and memorials of London on three floors. Take the elevator to the viewing gallery which offers glorious views over London’s Royal Parks. The bronze sculpture at the top of the arch is the largest bronze sculpture in Europe. It depicts the angel of peace descending on the chariot of war.
The Arch is located on Consitution Hill. Also within the same open space are other war memorials. The touring of Aspley House, the Wellington Arch and Hyde Park would be a good plan on a day of fine weather in London.

See the Apsley House post for info on nearest tube station and opening times. Admission to the Wellington Arch is GBP3.20. Below is the view towards Hyde Park from the arch's viewing gallery. Below that is a view of the arch from inside Apsley House.