City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Charing Cross
The Charing Cross Monument is modeled on an early medieval commemorative cross erected by King Edward I for his Queen Eleanor I of Castile (1246-90). Twelve crosses marked the journey of her funeral cortege from Harby near Lincoln where she died, to this last stop before Westminster Abbey where she is buried. A cross was built at every place where the procession rested overnight.
The original cross, from which all distances from London were once measured, was probably at the top of Whitehall and was demolished in 1647. In 1863 the new Charing Cross Monument was built here as a meeting place for Charing Cross Station. It was designed by E.M. Barry (the architect of the hotel behind) and carved by T. Earp. Barry also designed giant stone piers and railings to the forecourt which were removed in 1958 to widen The Strand.
Architects Terry Farrell & Company designed new piers and cast iron railings in 1989. All decorative details are based on Barry’s original design.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 51° 30.503′ N, 0° 7.529′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. Marker is at the intersection of Strand and Duncannon Street, on the right when traveling north on Strand. Located in front of Charing Cross Station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: City of Westminster, England WC2N 5RJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Queen Eleanor Memorial Cross (a few steps from this marker); 1987 Great Storm (within shouting distance of this marker); John Law Baker Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Franklin (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Boys of St. Martin’s School (about 90 meters away); William Nicholson (about 120 meters away); Rudyard Kipling (about 120 meters away); Kipling House (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Charing Cross on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 25, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Queen Eleanor Memorial Cross on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 25, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2018. This page has been viewed 276 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on October 6, 2020, by John Neitz of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.