Marble Arch, located at the western end of Oxford Street, was originally designed and built in 1828 as the entrance to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the archway wasn't big enough for the grand carriages and coaches to get through, so in 1851 it was moved to become the entrance to Hyde Park, where it now resides. It still has royal significance as only senior members of the Royal Family and one artillery regiment are permitted to pass beneath the Arch.
This white Carrara marble monument is near to the old Tyburn gallows which was where London's most scandalous criminals were gruesomely and publicly hanged from 1388 to 1793. There are also three little rooms inside which were used until 1950 as a police station. During an 1855 riot, the arch was used for police surveillance and, due to the element of surprise by hiding in the northern section of the arch, the crowd was quickly controlled.
The arch marks the entrance to London's most popular shopping area, Oxford Street, and it's surrounding spending delights. Marble Arch underground station, on the central line, is the closest station but there are buses regularly passing by and not forgetting that Bond Street and Oxford Circus stations are only a 5-10 minute walk away. Hyde Park Corner tube station is also nearby.
Being at the beginning of Oxford Street and right on the edge of Hyde Park, the area surrounding Marble Arch is a good area to stay. Within a few minutes walk you can stroll Hyde Park or even walk across it to the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington. Immediately to the west of Marble Arch is Bayswater and Paddington which is the terminal of the Heathrow Express. Running down to Marble Arch is Edgeware Road which is now an area of Middle Eastern shops and restaurants. For accommodation in and around Marble Arch, the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel may be a good choice and the world famous Cumberland Hotel is only 2 or 3 minutes walk from Marble Arch. If you have a smaller budget you could try one of the nearby Bed & Breakfasts which are all nice and comfortable or stay just a few minutes walk away in Bayswater where there are many tourist class hotels. Also very close by are Bond Street with its upmarket shops, Grosvenor Square which is the home of the US Embassy, Mayfair with its hugely expensive hairdressers to the stars and last but not least Park Lane with its 5 star hotels.
With Buckingham Palace only a short walk away, Hyde Park and all it's festivities at your fingertips waiting to be explored and the Capital's shopping mecca just down the road, Marble Arch is a great starting point for a day out in London.
|
Search London
