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Royal Marines Memorial

A solemn tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Royal Marines, standing proudly on The Mall in London.

4.5

Standing proudly on The Mall, the Royal Marines Memorial commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Royal Marines who served in the Boxer Rebellion and the Second Boer War. Sculpted by Adrian Jones and designed by Thomas Graham Jackson, the monument features a striking bronze statue of two marines in action, surrounded by reliefs depicting key battles. Rededicated in 2000 as the national memorial for all Royal Marines, it stands as a solemn tribute to courage and service.

A brief summary to Royal Marines Memorial

  • London, St. James's, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the memorial in a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions and plaques to appreciate the historical context and personal stories behind the memorial.
  • Photograph the bronze statue and reliefs for a lasting memory of your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Buckingham Palace, walk east along The Mall for approximately 10 minutes to reach the Royal Marines Memorial near Admiralty Arch. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for all visitors.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Underground to Charing Cross or Embankment station, then walk west along The Mall for about 15 minutes. The memorial is well-signposted and easy to find.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes stop near Admiralty Arch, including the 3, 12, and 24. From the stop, walk a short distance along The Mall to the memorial.

Royal Marines Memorial location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Royal Marines Memorial

A Monument to Courage and Sacrifice

Located on The Mall near Admiralty Arch, the Royal Marines Memorial is a powerful tribute to the valor of Royal Marines who lost their lives in the Boxer Rebellion in China and the Second Boer War in Africa. Unveiled in 1903, the memorial was originally positioned in St James’s Park before being moved to its current site in 1948. The monument’s history is as turbulent as the conflicts it commemorates, having been stored during World War II and later restored as part of the Millennium Year Initiative in 2000.

Artistic and Historical Significance

The memorial’s centerpiece is a bronze statue by Adrian Jones, depicting two marines in a moment of intense action—one wounded, the other defending him with a rifle and bayonet. The sculptor’s background as a veterinary surgeon and military officer lends authenticity to the figures’ anatomy and posture. The pedestal, designed by Thomas Graham Jackson, features bronze reliefs illustrating the repulse of the Chinese attack on the Peking Legations and the Battle of Graspan in South Africa. Carved dolphins on each corner symbolize the marines’ naval heritage.

Symbolism and Legacy

The memorial’s plaques list the names of those lost in the original campaigns and include inscriptions honoring their comrades. In 2000, the monument was rededicated as the national memorial for all Royal Marines, reflecting their service from the inception of the corps to the present day. The government of the Falkland Islands contributed significantly to its restoration, underscoring the enduring bond between the islands and the Royal Marines.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Royal Marines Memorial are struck by its solemn atmosphere and the craftsmanship of its details. The monument’s location on The Mall offers a scenic backdrop, with views of Admiralty Arch and the surrounding parkland. The memorial is accessible to all and serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, attracting both locals and tourists seeking to honor the legacy of the Royal Marines.

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