City of London in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Wellington
Erected
June 18
1844
( plaque behind the statue )
On 19th July 1838. the Court of Common Council of the City of London agreed to a contribution of £500 toward the cost of the above statue of the Duke of Wellington in appreciation of his efforts in assisting the passage of the London Bridge Approaches Act 1827. This act led to the creation of King William Street. The government donated the metal, which is bronze from captured enemy cannon melted down after the Battle of Waterloo, and valued at the time at £1500. The total cost of the statue was £9000, the remainder being raised by public subscription.
The sculptor, Sir Francis Chantrey (1781 to 1841), was commissioned in 1838 but died before the work was completed. It was finished by his assistant Henry Weeks (1807 to 1877).
The Lord Mayor, William Magnay, unveiled the statue on 18th June 1844, the anniversary of Waterloo, in the presence of his guest the King of Saxony. Adjoining the statue a piece of granite from London Bridge (1825 to 1967) has been set into the pavement by the Corporation of London. The elevational stonework from the same bridge was re-erected over the Colorado River in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, U.S.A. in 1971.
Erected 1844.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts.
Location. 51° 30.809′ N, 0° 5.305′ W. Marker is in City of London, England, in Greater London. Marker is on Cornhill close to Threadneedle Street, on the right when traveling west. Located in front of the Royal Exchange. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Cornhill, City of London, England EC3V 3DG, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Royal Exchange Jubilee Walkway (a few steps from this marker); Royal Exchange Forecourt (a few steps from this marker); London Troops War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Gregory de Rokesley (within shouting distance of this marker); Stocks Market (within shouting distance of this marker); The Samaritans (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Tallow Chandlers Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); William Nicholson (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of London.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 262 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.