Admiralty Arch, located at the Northeast side of the Mall, is one of the most emblematic landmarks of empire within the city of London, England.[1] Upon ones first examination, the landmark is a striking piece of Edwardian Architecture, pulling from neoclassical designs. This is a characteristic largely associated with the style of the sites architect, Sir Aston Webb. Webb was commissioned not only to build Admiralty Arch, but the entire Queen Victoria Memorial Scheme, of which the Arch is a central fixture.[2] This scheme included; the widening of The Mall, the updating of the Buckingham Palace Façade, and finally the construction of Admiralty Arch.[3] When construction on the Arch was completed in 1912, Webb had ingeniously hidden the Charring Cross bend (located behind the Arch), effectively creating a cohesive piece of urban planning.[4] Webb brought distinct sentiments of Empire and Imperialism into his architectural design which is not only seen in his work on the Memorial Scheme, but also his commissions throughout the globe.[5]
Admiralty Arch connects Trafalgar Square to The Mall, creating a pathway from one seat of Empire to the next. The landmark itself is made of stone and contains five archways. While the centremost archway is largely ceremonial, the outer four provide access for both pedestrians and vehicles. The arch furthest North contains a nose like formation, which is said to honour the Duke of Wellington.[6] Traditionally soldiers have rubbed the nose for luck as they pass through.[7] Additionally, there is an inscription on Admiralty Arch that when translated from Latin to English states; "In the tenth year of King Edward VII, to Queen Victoria, from most grateful citizens, 1910."[8] This signifies the tributary nature of the monument.
The Arch not only serves as a landmark, but over the years has had a very practical purpose. The building contains a series of flats. Traditionally, these flats housed the First Sea Lord and as such became a crucial location for Naval negotiations and decision making.[9] During the Cold War, secret records were held in these flats, increasing the physical importance of the location.[10] It wasn't until the 1990s that the Royal Navy relocated to the Whitehall complex, joining the Army and Airforce.[11] It wasn't until the year 2000 when the Cabinet Office was moved to the Arch.[12] In 2011; however, the government decided that they would put the building up for lease and in 2013, a 250-year lease was awarded.[13] At this time permission was given to restore the building, converting it into a hotel (containing 100 rooms), four private residences and a member's only club.[14] Today Admiralty Arch still stands as both a functional and ceremonial location central to the London landscape, celebrating both the Monarchy and Britain.
[1]"Admiralty Arch," The Royal Parks, accessed March 17, 2019, https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park/things-to-see-and-do/landmarks-and-viewpoints/admiralty-arch.
[2] Neil R. Bingham, "Webb, Sir Aston," in Oxford Art Online (Oxford University Press, 2019).
[3] Bingham, "Webb, Sir Aston."
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] "Admiralty Arch," The Royal Parks.
[7] Ibid.
[8] "History," Admiralty Arch, accessed March 17, 2019, https://www.admiraltyarch.co.uk/history/.
[9] "History," Admiralty Arch.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
Admiralty Arch is one of the most iconic London landmarks. Not only does it instill pro monarchical sentiment, but it demonstrates the impressive nature of the British Empire through architecture. It is important to note that the money to build the Arch was funded by donations, and these donations came not only from Britain, but also the greater Empire.[1] This represents the integral place London held as an imperial city. After Queen Victoria died in 1901, it became evident that the monarchy and subsequently the image of the British Empire, needed a boost. As such there was an increase in imperial architecture. These large-scale buildings had powerful connotations of imperialism and were heavily tied to the monarch.[2] With the increase in imperial architecture came the increase in ceremonies, and during the interwar period Admiralty Arch found itself at the centre of this practice. Ceremonies were done in an incredibly public way, actively inserting into the domestic sphere grander issues. In this case it created an opportunity to change public perceptions. The end of the First World War, marked a series of processions that would pass through the Arch. One of the most notable processions was that of the Indian Army's Victory March that took place on August 2nd, 1919.[3] The procession of 1800 Indian Army Troops went from Waterloo to Buckingham Palace and was meant to honour these individuals for their role in the Great War.[4] Though the procession itself is important, the imagery surrounding the troops passage under Admiralty Arch, is emblematic of the landmarks importance in the greater vision of empire. Admiralty Arch serves as the gateway into the heart of the Empire; that is Buckingham palace, and the King-Emperor who awaited them.[5] Again, in 1937, overseas forces participated in an important procession through Admiralty Arch during King George VI coronation.[6] Troops from Canada, India, Burma, Australia and New Zealand, all marched under the Arch.[7]Imagery from processions during the interwar period generate a symbolic significance to the passage under Admiralty Arch marking it as an important entrance into the British Empire. These instances of symbolism further the need for empire and as such attempt to solidify public support.
Though the symbolic element of Admiralty Arch is evident, the position it held as the centre of the British Navy contributes greatly to the site's importance in the greater scheme of the British Empire. The British Navy was integral to the British Empire. Not only as a means of initial enforcement, but also symbolically. Having the First Sea Lord housed in the Arch, meant that it was a crucial site for decision making and negotiations.[8] In 1927 efforts to prepare for the Geneva Naval Conference took place in the Arch, the failure of said negotiations contributed to the prolonged Naval Arms race gripping the globe.[9]Admiralty Arch was the site of crucial decisions that would go on to dictate the effectiveness of the greater British Empire.
The symbolic importance of processions combined with the significance that Admiralty Arch held in regards to government furthered its importance during the interwar period, making it one of the few stronghold of Empire left in London.
[1] Ibid.
[2] Bridget Cherry, "London's Public Events and Ceremonies: an Overview Through Three Centuries," Architectural History 56 (2013): 19.
[3] "The Indian Army's Victory March in London: A Royal Review," The Illustrated London News, August 9, 1919, The Illustrated London News Historical Archive.
[4] "The Indian Army's Victory March in London: A Royal Review."
[5] Ibid.
[6] "The Empire's Part in Coronation Processions: Overseas Troops," Illustrated London News, May 15, 1937, The Illustrated London News Historical Archive.
[7] "The Empire's Part in Coronation Processions: Overseas Troops."
[8] History," Admiralty Arch.
[9] Ibid.
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Primary Sources
"The Indian Army's Victory March in London: A Royal Review." The Illustrated London News. August 9, 1919. The Illustrated London News Historical Archive.
"The Empire's Part in Coronation Processions: Overseas Troops." Illustrated London News. May 15, 1937. The Illustrated London News Historical Archive.
Secondary Sources
"Admiralty Arch." The Royal Parks Accessed March 17, 2019. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park/things-to-see-and-do/landmarks-and-viewpoints/admiralty-arch.
"History." Admiralty Arch. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://www.admiraltyarch.co.uk/history/.
Bingham, Neil R. "Webb, Sir Aston." In Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press, 2019.
Cherry, Bridget. "London's Public Events and Ceremonies: an Overview Through Three Centuries." Architectural History 56 (2013): 1-28.
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