Speke Monument, Kensington Gardens
A Victorian obelisk in Kensington Gardens honouring explorer John Hanning Speke, who identified Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile.
Standing quietly in Kensington Gardens, the Speke Monument is a red granite obelisk honouring Victorian explorer John Hanning Speke, famed for identifying Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile. Erected in 1866, this understated memorial commemorates a pivotal moment in African exploration, set within London’s elegant royal park. Though modest in appearance, it carries the weight of imperial ambition, scientific debate, and a controversial legacy that continues to resonate in the history of exploration.
A brief summary to Speke Monument
- London, GB
- +443000612000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times in Kensington Gardens and enjoy a quieter moment at the monument.
- Look for the 1995 ground plaque in front of the obelisk, which clearly explains Speke’s role in discovering the Nile’s source.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Albert Memorial and the Italian Gardens for a fuller experience of Kensington Gardens’ historic and scenic highlights.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From Lancaster Gate Underground Station (Central line), walk east along Lancaster Gate into Kensington Gardens; the Speke Monument is about 10 minutes on foot, near the junction of Lancaster Walk and Budges Walk.
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Bus
Take bus routes 9, 10, 52, 70, 94, 148 or 390 to stops near Kensington Gardens; from there, follow signs into the park and head towards the central paths to reach the monument in 10–15 minutes.
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Walking
From Hyde Park Corner, walk west along the south side of Hyde Park and into Kensington Gardens; the monument is roughly 15–20 minutes away, located in the quieter, northern section of the gardens.
Speke Monument location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Speke Monument
A Quiet Tribute to a Controversial Explorer
In a leafy corner of Kensington Gardens, near the junction of Lancaster Walk and Budges Walk, stands a tall red granite obelisk dedicated to Captain John Hanning Speke. A Victorian-era officer and explorer, Speke is best known for his role in identifying Lake Victoria as the source of the White Nile, one of the great geographical puzzles of the 19th century. The monument, designed by architect Philip Hardwick and constructed from polished Aberdeen granite, was funded by public subscription and sponsored by Sir Roderick Murchison of the Royal Geographical Society. Erected in 1866, two years after Speke’s untimely death, it serves as a formal recognition of his African expeditions and his place in the history of exploration.The Story Behind the Stone
Speke’s fame rests on his 1858 expedition with Richard Burton into East Africa, during which he became the first European to see Lake Victoria, which he named in honour of Queen Victoria. On a later journey with James Grant, he confirmed the lake’s northern outflow as the Nile’s source, a claim that sparked fierce debate, particularly with Burton, who disputed the finding. The controversy reached its peak just before Speke’s death in 1864, when he was fatally shot by his own gun during a partridge shoot, the day before a scheduled public debate with Burton. Whether the incident was an accident or suicide remains a matter of historical discussion, adding a layer of intrigue to the monument’s solemn presence.Design and Inscription
The monument itself is a simple, dignified obelisk, typical of Victorian memorial style, with a restrained inscription on its front: “In memory of Speke / Victoria Nyanza and the Nile, 1864.” Notably, the original wording did not explicitly credit Speke as the discoverer of the Nile’s source, reflecting the cautious stance of the time. That omission was later addressed in 1995, when the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens installed a ground-level plaque that clearly states his role: John Hanning Speke, explorer who discovered Lake Victoria and identified its northern outlet as the source of the Nile. This addition provides crucial context for modern visitors, turning the monument into a more complete historical marker.Place in Kensington Gardens
Situated within the tranquil expanse of Kensington Gardens, the Speke Monument shares the landscape with other notable features such as the Albert Memorial, the Italian Gardens, and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Its location, away from the main thoroughfares, gives it a contemplative, almost hidden quality, inviting quiet reflection rather than grand spectacle. The surrounding park setting, with its tree-lined paths and open lawns, contrasts with the monument’s imperial associations, offering a space where history, nature, and memory intersect. For those interested in the history of exploration, empire, and Victorian science, the site is a subtle but meaningful stop in a walk through one of London’s most beautiful royal parks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Speke Monument
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
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
- Business Friendly