The Mall
The Mall is London’s ceremonial route to the Monarch’s official residence. A little over half a mile long with Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square at one end and The Queen Victoria Monument and Buckingham Palace at the other end.
You never know who you will bump into here. Off to Change The Guards.
Admiralty Arch – one of the Government’s most prestigious buildings in one of its most iconic locations. Sadly due to Government cut-backs, in 2012 it was sold to an up-market hotel chain.
Carlton House Terrace
Along part of the north side of The Mall is Carlton House Terrace, designed by John Nash.
To the left of the photo on the left, but partially obscured because of the tree are statues of George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Breaking up Carlton House Terrace is the Duke of York Column (photo on the right). And on a personal note, the building to its right is the ICA where we had our wedding reception in 1979.
Horse Guards Parade from The Mall
A view of Horse Guards Parade from The Mall. The ivy-clad building on the left is the Admiralty Citadel, London’s biggest & ugliest bomb shelter; a relic from WWII. No amount of ivy hides it. Time to pull it down?
The Horse Guards Parade ground was the Beach Volleyball venue in the 2012 Olympics.
Horse Guards Parade from St James’s Park
On the south side of The Mall is the delightful St James’s Park, a gem in the centre of London and the oldest of the Royal Parks.
Lancaster House
Commissioned by the “Grand Old” Duke of York (whose column is in one of the above photos), now the most important centre for Government hospitality.
Marlborough House
Marlborough House is a Royal Palace and the International Headquarters of the Commonwealth, of which the total population of the member countries comprise about 30% of the Human race. Fairly significant then wouldn’t you say?
On the wall of Marlborough House facing St James’s Palace is this strange and enigmatic monument to Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, by Sir Alfred Gilbert (whose works include “Eros” statue in Piccadilly Circus).
St James’s Palace is the most senior Royal Palace in the country, commissioned by Henry VIII.
Queen Victoria Monument & Buckingham Palace
This is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch; the setting for numerous state occasions. One of the most photographed building in the UK.
The Mall has more historic Palaces & ceremonial Houses than any other road in the world