Marble Arch

Marble Arch is a 19th century triumphal arch built from white marble. It stands near the north east corner of Hyde Park at the end of Park Lane.

Originally built as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, the arch was moved in 1851 when Buckingham Palace was extended to cope with the large family and court of Queen Victoria.

Traditionally, only the sovereign and the Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery are allowed to pass through the arch.

The current location of Marble Arch is thought to be in the area known as Tyburn, a notorius execution spot where thousands of highwaymen, robbers and murderers were executed between 1196 and the end of the 18th century.

Condemned men and women were allowed to stop on their way to execution for a jug of ale. Once finished, they would get back on the wagon. It is thought that the colloquial phrase for abstinence from alcohol comes from the fact that the condemned were never to drink alcohol again...