Eleanor Cross at Charing, London
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
The Eleanor Cross at Charing is a Victorian-era replica of the grand medieval monument originally erected in the late 13th century by King Edward I to honor his wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile. Located in front of Charing Cross railway station, this ornate Gothic Revival cross commemorates the final resting place of Eleanor’s funeral procession and stands as a symbol of enduring love and medieval craftsmanship in central London.
A brief summary to Eleanor Cross
- 40 Strand, London, GB
- +443457114141
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate Gothic Revival details of the cross.
- Explore nearby Trafalgar Square and the statue of King Charles I to connect with the site’s layered history.
- Look for the mural in the nearby Charing Cross Underground station depicting the original Eleanor Cross’s construction.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern or Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross station; the Eleanor Cross replica is immediately outside the station entrance. The journey from central London hubs takes 5–15 minutes. Frequent service runs daily with no additional cost beyond standard fares.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes, including routes 6, 9, 15, and 23, stop near Charing Cross station. Travel times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on starting point and traffic. Standard London bus fares apply.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares vary but expect approximately £8–£15. Note that traffic congestion can affect travel times during peak hours.
Eleanor Cross location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Eleanor Cross
A Royal Tribute Carved in Stone
The Eleanor Crosses were commissioned by King Edward I in memory of his beloved wife, Eleanor of Castile, who died in 1290. Following her death, her body was transported from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey in London, stopping overnight at twelve locations along the route. At each resting place, Edward ordered a magnificent stone cross to be erected as a lasting memorial. The Charing Cross was the final and most elaborate of these monuments, marking the last stop before Eleanor’s burial.From Medieval Grandeur to Victorian Revival
The original Charing Cross, completed around 1293, was renowned for its impressive size and detailed religious iconography. It stood near the modern site of Trafalgar Square and was a focal point for public ceremonies and royal pageantry, including celebrations of Henry V’s victory at Agincourt and coronation processions. However, the cross was dismantled in 1647 during the English Civil War, as it was seen as a symbol of royalist and Catholic imagery. In 1865, architect Edward Middleton Barry designed a Victorian Gothic Revival replica, positioned in front of Charing Cross railway station, inspired by the medieval original but with more ornate fourteenth-century stylistic elements.Symbolism and Location Significance
The cross’s location at Charing, a name derived from Old English meaning a bend or turn, reflects the Thames River’s curve nearby. This site became the central point from which distances to London are traditionally measured. The monument’s intricate niches, foliate capitals, and crockets showcase the Gothic craftsmanship admired in the Victorian era. The cross also stands near the equestrian statue of King Charles I, linking layers of English history and monarchy in this prominent London junction.The Eleanor Cross Legacy and Cultural Impact
Only three of the original twelve medieval Eleanor Crosses survive today, with the Charing Cross monument being a Victorian reinterpretation rather than the original. The crosses symbolize enduring love and royal devotion, inspiring art, literature, and public memory for centuries. The story of Eleanor’s funeral procession and the crosses’ construction is commemorated in murals and historical accounts, reflecting the cultural significance of this medieval legacy in modern London.Architectural and Artistic Highlights
The Victorian cross is constructed from red Mansfield stone and features abundant Gothic Revival details that echo medieval design while expressing 19th-century craftsmanship. Its design was influenced by earlier Gothic memorials and the work of George Gilbert Scott. The monument’s detailed statues and ornamental work invite close inspection, offering a glimpse into the artistic revival of medieval forms during the Victorian period.Enduring Presence in a Modern Cityscape
Today, the Eleanor Cross at Charing remains a striking landmark amidst the bustle of central London, positioned before the historic Charing Cross railway station. It serves as a poignant reminder of medieval history, royal love, and architectural heritage, bridging centuries of London’s evolving urban landscape and inviting reflection on the stories embedded in the city’s stones.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eleanor Cross
0.0 km
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
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Unmissable attractions to see
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St Martin-in-the-Fields
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Grand Building
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Gordon's Wine Bar
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Edith Cavell Memorial
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York Watergate
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Explore York Watergate, a serene historical landmark on the River Thames, rich in maritime heritage and stunning views perfect for tourists.
The Ghost Bus Tours
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Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
London by Night Tours
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Discover London’s iconic landmarks aglow with night lights on an engaging open-top bus tour departing from historic Trafalgar Square.
London Coliseum
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Trafalgar Square
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Victoria Embankment Gardens
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The National Gallery
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National Portrait Gallery
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5 Trafalgar Sq
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Embankment Pl
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Essential places to dine
The Northall
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The Garden
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Ekstedt at The Yard
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Flat Iron Covent Garden
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Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Rules
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London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
J Sheekey
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Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
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Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
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Clos Maggiore
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Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Palm Court Brasserie
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Chez Antoinette
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Wild Honey St James
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Balthazar
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New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gifts of London
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Crest of London Ltd
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Alice Through The Looking Glass
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Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Unique Britain
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
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Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
St Martin's Courtyard
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Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cool Britania
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The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
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London Transport Museum - Shop
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M&M'S London
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Henry Pordes Books Ltd
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Charing Cross Rd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Mrs Riot
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The Spy Bar
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The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
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Beaufort Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Club49Soho
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Versity Camp Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Gothic Revival
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
