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Charles De Gaulle Statue at Carlton Gardens, London

A dignified tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of Free France during WWII.

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The Charles De Gaulle Statue in Carlton Gardens, London, commemorates the iconic French leader who led the Free French Forces during World War II. Unveiled in 1993 by The Queen Mother, the life-sized bronze statue depicts de Gaulle in his brigadier general uniform, standing opposite the former Free French Forces headquarters. This monument honors his pivotal role in rallying French resistance from exile and his lasting legacy as the founder of the French Fifth Republic.

A brief summary to Charles De Gaulle Statue

  • Carlton Gardens, London, SW1Y 5AD, GB
  • Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the statue’s details and the surrounding historic plaques.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through nearby St James’s Park for a scenic and historic London experience.
  • Look for the blue plaque at 4 Carlton Gardens to learn more about the Free French Forces’ headquarters.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Piccadilly Circus or Green Park tube stations, both approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk from Carlton Gardens. The stations are served by multiple lines including Piccadilly, Bakerloo, and Victoria. Tickets range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on time and ticket type.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes stop near Carlton Gardens, including routes 9, 14, and 19. Bus travel times vary but typically take 15 to 25 minutes from central London areas. A contactless payment card or Oyster card is recommended, with fares around £1.75 per journey.

  • Walking

    From Trafalgar Square or Piccadilly Circus, walking to Carlton Gardens takes about 15 to 20 minutes on mostly flat, paved terrain suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.

Charles De Gaulle Statue location weather suitability

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Discover more about Charles De Gaulle Statue

A Monument to a Wartime Leader

The Charles De Gaulle Statue stands prominently in Carlton Gardens, London, a site steeped in history as the location of the Free French Forces headquarters during World War II. General Charles de Gaulle, who led the French government-in-exile from this very place, is immortalized here in bronze. The statue was unveiled in 1993 by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, reflecting the enduring respect between the United Kingdom and France. It portrays de Gaulle in his brigadier general uniform, a symbol of his military leadership and defiant spirit against Nazi occupation.

Historical Significance of Carlton Gardens

Carlton Gardens itself is historically significant as the base from which de Gaulle organized the Free French Forces after fleeing occupied France in 1940. The building opposite the statue, at 3/4 Carlton Gardens, served as the headquarters for the Free French armed forces. Here, de Gaulle coordinated military operations and maintained the morale of French resistance fighters. The site is also marked by plaques commemorating de Gaulle’s rallying broadcast on 18 June 1940, a defining moment in French history when he urged his compatriots to continue resisting occupation.

Artistic and Symbolic Features

The statue is life-sized and mounted on a plinth of equal height, creating a balanced and dignified presence. De Gaulle’s pose is notable: standing tall and resolute, his left hand lowered with the palm raised in a gesture that suggests both command and appeal. This artistic choice captures the complexity of his leadership—firm yet hopeful. The bronze medium lends a timeless quality, ensuring the statue endures as a symbol of freedom and resilience.

Commemorations and Cultural Context

The statue is part of a broader commemorative landscape in the area, including blue plaques and memorial tablets that honor de Gaulle’s leadership and the Free French Forces. The nearby blue plaque at 4 Carlton Gardens marks the site where the Free French government operated. These memorials collectively tell the story of France’s struggle and perseverance during the war, highlighting the strong wartime alliance between Britain and Free France.

Visitor Experience and Surroundings

Situated in the elegant Carlton Gardens, the statue is surrounded by the refined architecture and greenery of central London’s St James’s district. The area offers a tranquil setting for reflection on the sacrifices and leadership of de Gaulle and his forces. While the headquarters building is a private residence with no public access, the statue itself is fully accessible to visitors and provides a poignant focal point for those interested in World War II history and Franco-British relations.

Legacy of Charles De Gaulle in London

Beyond the statue, Charles de Gaulle’s legacy in London is marked by his efforts to sustain French sovereignty and resistance during a dark chapter in European history. His famous BBC broadcast from London remains a symbol of hope and defiance. The statue, plaques, and surrounding memorials ensure that this legacy continues to be remembered, offering insight into the complexities of wartime leadership and the enduring bonds forged in adversity.

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