Marble Arch

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Let's have a proper look at something iconic.

Located just off the end of Oxford Street, in the East Marylebone area, is the monument that dominates this specific panorama.



What you might not know is that this magnificent structure was originally located near the entrance of none other than Buckingham Palace itself, in fact, the central part where the famous balcony resides. From such auspicious locations, it might seem a little bit of a let-down to see the Arch seemingly stranded on a traffic island - not quite what the creator, John Nash had in mind...

Talking about its creator, it's believed that the design was based on a mixture of the Arch of Constantine and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Though some people don't appreciate it, and barely notice it in fact, is of some importance in this neck of the woods - don't forget it has it's own Tube Station named after it - and should you be in any doubt as to it's significance, notice there is a gate that blocks the entrance to the main Arch - and who is allowed through it, nobody, that is unless you are the Queen, other members of the Royal Family, or the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery - which happens only on ceremonial processions.



So, when you're on a little shopping excursion, or taking a hike through Hyde Park nearby, just take a look at and realise one of London's jewels is hiding there in plain sight.

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