Royal Artillery Memorial
A revolutionary war memorial depicting the raw reality of artillery warfare, unveiled 1925.
A monumental First World War memorial at Hyde Park Corner, unveiled in 1925, commemorating 49,076 Royal Artillery soldiers killed in the Great War. Designed by sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger and architect Lionel Pearson, this Grade I listed landmark features a life-size stone howitzer as its centerpiece, surrounded by bronze figures depicting gunners and a fallen soldier. The memorial's unflinching portrayal of warfare—including detailed reliefs of trench life and military equipment—sparked controversy upon unveiling but is now recognized as one of Britain's greatest war memorials and a masterpiece of 20th-century sculpture.
A brief summary to Royal Artillery Memorial
- London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy traffic around Hyde Park Corner and to experience the memorial in quieter conditions, allowing for contemplative viewing of the intricate bronze and stone details.
- Study the side panels and reliefs closely—they depict specific aspects of artillery life including weapons, trench scenes, and daily military routines, each telling part of the broader narrative of the gunners' experience.
- The memorial shares its site with the Machine Gun Corps Memorial and other military monuments; allow time to explore the entire Hyde Park Corner memorial complex to understand the broader context of British war remembrance.
- Bring binoculars or use a camera's zoom function to examine the stone howitzer and upper details from a distance, as the traffic island's layout makes close approach challenging.
- Visit on Armistice Day (11 November) or Remembrance Sunday to witness formal ceremonies and wreaths laid at the memorial, connecting with the living tradition of remembrance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
London Underground
Take the Piccadilly, Victoria, or Jubilee Line to Hyde Park Corner station. The memorial is directly accessible from the station exit, approximately 2–3 minutes on foot. The station is wheelchair accessible with lifts. Service runs from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight daily, with trains every 3–5 minutes during peak hours and every 8–10 minutes off-peak. No entrance fee required.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Hyde Park Corner, including routes 2, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 22, 25, 36, 38, 52, 73, 74, 82, 83, 94, and 414. Journey times from central London vary from 15–40 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Buses run throughout the day and night; frequency ranges from every 5–15 minutes on main routes. Single fare approximately £1.75 (contactless payment accepted). The memorial is a 1–2 minute walk from most bus stops around the corner.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
Black cabs and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available throughout London. Journey times to Hyde Park Corner vary from 10–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Typical fares from central London range from £8–20. The memorial is accessible via drop-off points around the traffic island; note that direct vehicle access to the memorial itself is not possible due to the traffic island configuration.
-
Walking
The memorial is centrally located and walkable from Knightsbridge (10–12 minutes), Green Park (8–10 minutes), and Mayfair (12–15 minutes). The surrounding streets are well-lit and busy with pedestrian traffic. Terrain is flat and paved throughout. The memorial itself sits on a traffic island; pedestrian crossing points are clearly marked around the perimeter.
Royal Artillery Memorial location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Royal Artillery Memorial
A Monument to Artillery's Sacrifice
The Royal Artillery Memorial stands as one of the most powerful and distinctive war memorials in Britain, occupying a prominent position on the western side of the traffic island at Hyde Park Corner. Unveiled on 18 October 1925 by Prince Arthur, the memorial commemorates the 49,076 soldiers from the Royal Artillery who fell during the First World War. The Royal Artillery War Commemoration Fund, established in 1918, was determined to create a memorial that would reflect the unique identity and role of the regiment—not as a conventional monument to comfort bereaved families, but as a tribute designed by gunners for gunners, celebrating the artillery's central role in modern warfare.The Vision of Charles Sargeant Jagger
The memorial is the masterpiece of sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger, widely regarded as the greatest British sculptor of his generation. Working in partnership with architect Lionel Pearson of Adams, Holden & Pearson, Jagger created a work of sublime artistic and symbolic power. A trained metal engraver and First World War veteran himself, Jagger understood the reality of artillery warfare intimately. His design was revolutionary: rather than depicting heroic soldiers in traditional poses, the memorial centers on a full-size stone howitzer carved with meticulous realism, positioned to face north along the long axis of the monument. This gun is not presented as an instrument of destruction to be mourned, but as an object of pride—a symbol of the gunners' skill, power, and purpose. Below the howitzer, life-size bronze figures represent an officer, a driver, a shell-carrier, and—in a bold and controversial decision—a dead soldier draped in a greatcoat, awaiting burial on the battlefield.Architectural Design and Symbolic Language
The memorial's architectural framework, designed by Pearson, employs a massive asymmetrical base of rectilinear form that creates the visual impression of trench parapets and gun pits, with the sky above. Stone reliefs and bas-reliefs arranged on the trench-like sides depict the harsh realities of war as painful labour, reflecting Jagger's admiration for Assyrian art. The side panels, now weathered by decades of exposure, show the trench mortar, Lewis gun, and ordinary rifle, alongside scenes of everyday military life—a French shrine, a kitchen with cooking utensils, and a warning bell used to signal approaching gas attacks. These details transform the memorial into a comprehensive visual narrative of artillery service, telling the story of both the equipment and the human cost of modern warfare.Controversy and Vindication
When first unveiled, the memorial provoked passionate debate. Art critics condemned it as hideous, a travesty, even an anti-monument—a stark departure from the heroic, comforting memorials of earlier eras. Yet the community for whom it was created recognized its profound truth immediately. Within two days of the official ceremony, crowds gathered in the rain at dawn to conduct their own private ceremony, a gesture that spoke volumes about the memorial's emotional resonance. By the 1930s, it had become one of the best-known monuments in Europe, and it is now universally acknowledged as second only to the Cenotaph as a supreme work of art among British war memorials. The memorial's unflinching portrayal of warfare—its refusal to shy away from the horror and terror of conflict—proved to be its greatest strength.Expansion and Preservation
In 1949, three bronze panels were added to the south of the memorial, designed by Darcy Braddell and unveiled by Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II). These panels commemorate the 29,924 Royal Artillerymen killed in the Second World War, extending the memorial's scope to honour the regiment's sacrifice across both world wars. Over the decades, pollution and water penetration caused significant damage to the bronzes and stonework. English Heritage undertook a major restoration in 2011, completed in time for Armistice Day, ensuring the memorial's preservation for future generations. In 2014, the memorial was upgraded to Grade I listed status, a designation reserved for structures of the greatest historic interest and applied to only around 2.5 per cent of listed buildings in Britain.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Royal Artillery Memorial
0.0 km
A powerful and realistic tribute to the Royal Artillery’s sacrifice, featuring a monumental stone howitzer and evocative bronze figures at Hyde Park Corner.
Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.1 km
Historic bronze statue honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military triumphs and contributions to London’s cityscape, unveiled in 1844.
Wellington Arch
0.1 km
Discover Wellington Arch, London's majestic neoclassical triumphal arch with rich history, stunning views, and iconic Quadriga sculpture.
Machine Gun Corps Memorial
0.1 km
A striking WWI memorial at Hyde Park Corner, blending classical art and the harsh realities of mechanized warfare to honor the Machine Gun Corps’ sacrifice.
Historic Houses
0.7 km
Explore the heart of Britain's heritage through Historic Houses, a gateway to centuries-old castles, gardens, and stately homes across the UK.
38 Grosvenor Sq
0.9 km
Historic mid-19th-century Italianate residence in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, a symbol of aristocratic and diplomatic heritage.
Little Ben Clock
0.9 km
Discover Little Ben, London’s charming miniature clock tower echoing Big Ben’s grandeur and symbolizing enduring Franco-British friendship.
St. James's Palace
1.0 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Republic of Texas Plaque
1.0 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Animals In War Memorial
1.0 km
A poignant tribute in central London to the animals that served and died in wars alongside British and Allied forces, from horses and mules to dogs and pigeons.
Roosevelt Memorial
1.0 km
A dignified tribute to Franklin D. Roosevelt in the historic heart of London’s Grosvenor Square, symbolizing enduring Anglo-American friendship.
Pickering Pl
1.0 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
Speakers' Corner
1.0 km
Historic Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park: London's iconic open-air forum for free speech and public debate since the 19th century.
Grosvenor Sq
1.1 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Grosvenor Square, a lush green oasis in the heart of London's vibrant Mayfair district.
Beau Brummell Statue
1.1 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
Unmissable attractions to see
Apsley House
0.1 km
Discover Apsley House, London’s ‘Number 1’ historic townhouse, home to the Duke of Wellington’s art, military treasures, and Regency grandeur.
New Zealand War Memorial
0.1 km
Discover the New Zealand War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, a poignant tribute to bravery and sacrifice amidst London's historic landscape.
Queen Elizabeth Gate
0.2 km
Explore the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth Gate, a historic entryway to Hyde Park, blending rich heritage with natural beauty in the heart of London.
Commonwealth Memorial Gates
0.2 km
Explore the Commonwealth Memorial Gates in London, a stunning tribute to the bravery of soldiers from various nations during World Wars I and II.
Statue of Achilles
0.2 km
A towering bronze tribute to the Duke of Wellington’s victories, blending classical myth and British history near his famed London home.
Bomber Command Memorial
0.2 km
Discover the Bomber Command Memorial in London's Green Park, a poignant homage to the brave souls of the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Horse & Groom
0.4 km
A charming historic pub tucked away in Belgravia’s cobbled mews, blending traditional hospitality with rich celebrity and cultural heritage.
Belgrave Square
0.4 km
Belgrave Square: A stately garden square in Belgravia, blending 19th-century elegance with exclusive private gardens and rich diplomatic history.
Constitution Hill
0.5 km
A historic royal route in London linking Hyde Park Corner with Buckingham Palace, rich in heritage and scenic charm.
Curzon Mayfair
0.5 km
Experience London’s premier art-house cinema in a stunning Grade II listed 1960s building, blending cinematic heritage with modern luxury.
Harvey Nichols
0.6 km
Discover Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, a historic luxury department store blending cutting-edge fashion, gourmet dining, and iconic London style.
Shepherd Market
0.6 km
Discover Shepherd Market, a charming historic village in Mayfair blending boutique shops, cozy pubs, and rich London heritage.
The Green Park
0.6 km
A tranquil Royal Park in central London offering peaceful lawns, historic memorials, and scenic views near Buckingham Palace.
Canada Memorial
0.7 km
A serene and symbolic tribute in Green Park honoring Canadian soldiers’ sacrifices and the enduring bond with the United Kingdom.
Park Ln
0.7 km
Prestigious Park Lane in London blends historic grandeur with luxury hotels, upscale shops, and serene Hyde Park views along its iconic 1.1 km stretch.
Essential places to dine
The Grenadier
0.2 km
Discover The Grenadier, a historic and haunted London pub steeped in military legacy and timeless charm in the heart of Belgravia.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
0.6 km
Experience two Michelin-starred historic British cuisine reimagined with modern artistry at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the heart of Knightsbridge.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.6 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
HIDE
0.7 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
The English Grill
0.8 km
Classic British dining perfected with expertly grilled steaks and seasonal delights in a refined, elegant setting near London’s iconic theatres.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.9 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Great British Restaurant
0.9 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Bill's Victoria Restaurant
1.0 km
A vibrant British eatery near Victoria Station offering hearty classics, sharing plates, and plant-based dishes in a cozy, casual setting.
Quaglino's
1.1 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Golden Lion
1.1 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Mercato Mayfair
1.2 km
Experience diverse global street food in a stunning restored church at the heart of London’s Mayfair district.
Apricity Restaurant
1.2 km
Sustainable fine dining in Mayfair blending seasonal British produce with innovative, low-waste culinary artistry.
Chez Antoinette Victoria
1.2 km
Authentic French bistro in London’s Victoria offering classic Lyonnais and Parisian dishes in a cozy, Parisian-style setting.
Colosseo Restaurant
1.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s Victoria at Colosseo Restaurant.
Caxton Grill
1.3 km
Refined British grill cuisine with fresh rooftop garden produce in a relaxed Westminster setting inside St Ermin’s Hotel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.3 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
The Queen's Shop
0.7 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Buckingham Palace Shop
0.7 km
Official royal souvenirs at the palace gates: chinaware, gifts, and memorabilia that bring Buckingham Palace's grandeur home with you. (162 characters)
Cool Britannia
0.7 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and vintage photography moments just steps from Buckingham Palace in a lively and welcoming shop.
John Lobb St. James
1.0 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Lock & Co. Hatters
1.0 km
Discover the world’s oldest hat shop, where centuries of British style and craftsmanship come to life in the heart of London.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
1.0 km
London’s oldest family-run wine merchant since 1698, blending royal tradition with expert wine and spirits in a historic Pall Mall setting.
Charbonnel et Walker
1.0 km
Britain’s first luxury chocolatier since 1875, nestled in Mayfair’s Royal Arcade – where tradition, truffles and royal patronage meet in every exquisite box.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
1.0 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
28 The Royal Arcade
1.0 km
Step into London's oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets luxury boutiques in the heart of Mayfair.
Burlington Arcade
1.1 km
Discover a luxurious shopping experience at Burlington Arcade, where timeless elegance meets exquisite craftsmanship in the heart of London.
Piccadilly Arcade
1.1 km
Discover Edwardian elegance and bespoke luxury in Piccadilly Arcade, a historic shopping gem linking Piccadilly and Jermyn Street in London.
Bond St
1.1 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
Fortnum & Mason
1.1 km
Historic luxury food hall and iconic London emporium offering gourmet delights, royal hampers, and timeless British tradition since 1707.
LONGCHAMP
1.2 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
0.7 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The New York Bar
0.8 km
A polished hotel lounge opposite Buckingham Palace — handcrafted cocktails, tasting events and piano-accompanied afternoons in plush, traditional surroundings.
Bbar
0.8 km
Chic Victoria cocktail bar beneath a living wall, blending South African zest with inventive drinks, hearty bites, and unforgettable afternoon teas near Buckingham Palace.
Adam & Eve
1.2 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
All Bar One Victoria
1.2 km
Sophisticated wines, global bites, and lively vibes on Victoria Street – London's go-to for stylish drinks and casual feasts near Westminster's heart.
The Red Lion, Mayfair
1.2 km
Historic Victorian pub in Mayfair famed for its political heritage and classic London charm, steps from Downing Street.
The Blind Pig at Mary's est. 2024
1.4 km
Discover a stylish Mayfair speakeasy blending inventive cocktails, retro charm, and attentive service in London's vibrant Pollen Street scene.
Blue Boar Pub
1.4 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Two Chairmen
1.4 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Disrepute - Soho
1.4 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Cahoots London
1.4 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
1.4 km
Sophisticated cocktail bar and terrace in central London, blending classic British charm with modern elegance and a vibrant social scene.
The White Ferry, Victoria (PUBLOVE)
1.6 km
Affordable hostel living meets classic British pub culture in the heart of Pimlico, steps from Victoria Station and London’s iconic sights.
Westminster Arms
1.6 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
The Argyll Arms
1.6 km
Step into The Argyll Arms, a Victorian-era pub gem in Soho blending historic charm, real ales, and hearty British fare near Oxford Circus.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.9 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Tabu London
0.9 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Scotch of St James
1.2 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Cuckoo Club
1.3 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Carwash Nightclub
1.4 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
Tiger Tiger London
1.6 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
1.6 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Luxe Club
1.6 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
TSQ Club
1.6 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Sunset night club
1.6 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Café de Paris
1.6 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
The Box Soho
1.7 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.7 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
Sophisticats Soho
1.7 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
The Penthouse London
1.7 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Solemn
- Contemplative
- Historically Significant
- Powerful
- Thought-provoking
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
