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Charles De Gaulle Statue at Carlton Gardens, London

A dignified bronze tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles De Gaulle, leader of Free France and symbol of resistance.

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The Charles De Gaulle Statue in Carlton Gardens, London, honors the leader of the Free French Forces during World War II and the first president of the French Fifth Republic. Unveiled in 1993 by The Queen Mother, this bronze statue depicts De Gaulle in his brigadier general uniform, standing defiantly opposite the former Free French Forces headquarters where he led the resistance from 1940 to 1944.

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

Local tips

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and softer light on the statue.
  • Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like the Free French Forces headquarters plaque at 4 Carlton Gardens.
  • Look for the black marble tablet nearby inscribed with De Gaulle’s famous 18 June 1940 appeal.
  • Explore the surrounding St James’s area to experience other wartime memorials and elegant London gardens.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park station, then walk approximately 10 minutes through St James’s Park to Carlton Gardens. The walk is mostly flat and accessible. Tube fare ranges from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on ticket type.

  • Bus

    Bus routes 9, 14, and 19 serve stops near Carlton Gardens. From Victoria Station, buses take around 10-15 minutes. Single fares cost about £1.65 with contactless payment. Note that buses may be crowded during peak hours.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from central London locations like Trafalgar Square to Carlton Gardens takes about 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fare ranges from £8 to £15.

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 as a solemn tribute to one of the 20th century's most influential French leaders. Located in Carlton Gardens, London, the statue commemorates De Gaulle’s role as the head of the Free French Forces during World War II and his pivotal leadership in the French Resistance against Nazi occupation. The statue was unveiled in 1993 by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, symbolizing the enduring Anglo-French alliance forged in the crucible of war.

Historical Context and Significance

During the war, De Gaulle established the headquarters of the Free French Forces at 3 and 4 Carlton Gardens, just across from where the statue now stands. From June 1940 until mid-1944, London was the base from which he organized French resistance efforts and maintained the spirit of French sovereignty in exile. His famous 18 June 1940 BBC broadcast, rallying the French people to continue fighting, is closely tied to this location. The statue thus marks not only a person but a vital chapter in the history of free Europe.

Artistic Representation and Symbolism

Crafted in bronze, the statue portrays De Gaulle in his brigadier general uniform, standing life-sized atop a plinth of equal height. His posture is resolute, with one hand raised in a gesture that conveys both determination and a call to perseverance. The statue’s placement opposite the former Free French Forces headquarters creates a powerful visual dialogue between the man and his wartime mission.

The Surrounding Area and Memorials

Carlton Gardens is steeped in history, with several plaques nearby commemorating De Gaulle and the Free French Forces. A blue plaque at 4 Carlton Gardens marks the site of the Free French headquarters, while a black marble tablet bears the words of De Gaulle’s stirring 1940 appeal. The area also features memorials to other notable figures, enriching the historical atmosphere around the statue.

Legacy and Commemoration

The statue serves as a focal point for remembrance ceremonies and is a symbol of Franco-British solidarity. Visitors can reflect on De Gaulle’s complex legacy as a military leader, statesman, and founder of the French Fifth Republic. The statue quietly honors his defiance, leadership, and the enduring flame of French resistance that he vowed would never be extinguished.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Set in a tranquil garden environment within central London, the statue offers a contemplative space amid the city’s bustle. Its understated presence invites visitors to pause and absorb the historical significance of the site. The surrounding greenery and nearby landmarks contribute to a peaceful yet evocative ambience, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in World War II history and international diplomacy.

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