West End

Marble Arch - Park Lane

London W1

Left: Marble Arch - photo by Stacey Harris and reproduced by kind permission

This huge structure was designed by John Nash in 1827 as the main entrance to Buckingham Palace.  However, it was quickly discovered to be too narrow for the largest and grandest of the King's coaches, and the arch was moved to the north east corner of Hyde Park in 1851.  The gates of the Arch are now only opened to permit the Royal Family and a few artillery regiments to pass through it. 

Marble Arch stands very near to the site of the old Tyburn gallows which was where London's most notorious criminals were hanged.  This usually happened in front of thousands of jeering spectators, out to witness lots of blood and gore as a cheap afternoon's entertainment......

In 1872 a Law was passed which made it legal for people to address a  crowd on whatever subject they chose. The north east corner of Hyde Park near to Marble Arch became famous for such gatherings and quickly earned the title of Speakers' Corner.

On a Sunday morning you can always see and hear a speaker addressing the crowd - which usually heckles the speaker verbally.  This is always looked upon strangely by overseas visitors, but is a perfect example of the practice of freedom of speech which the British hold very dear to their hearts.

Nearest Tube station:  Marble Arch

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