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Duke of York Column, London

A towering granite column in London honoring the Duke of York’s military legacy, crowned with a grand bronze statue atop historic Waterloo Place.

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The Duke of York Column is a towering granite monument in central London commemorating Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, the second son of King George III. Standing 42 meters tall, it features a bronze statue of the Duke atop a Tuscan column and is located at Waterloo Place, overlooking The Mall and St James's Park. Built between 1831 and 1834, it honors the Duke's military reforms and leadership during the Napoleonic Wars, funded largely by soldiers' contributions.

A brief summary to Duke of York Column

  • London, SW1Y 5AJ, GB
  • +443000612000
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the golden hour for the best light to photograph the column and statue.
  • Learn about the Duke of York’s role in reforming the British Army to deepen your appreciation.
  • Explore the surrounding Waterloo Place sculptures and the Duke of York Steps for a fuller historic experience.
  • Take a moment to sit on nearby benches along The Mall to soak in the ceremonial atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Piccadilly or Victoria Line to Green Park station, then walk approximately 10-15 minutes along The Mall to Waterloo Place where the column stands. The station is well-serviced with frequent trains; expect a total journey time of 20-30 minutes from central London. No additional fare beyond standard Underground pricing applies.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes, including numbers 9, 14, and 19, stop near The Mall or Pall Mall, within a 5-minute walk to the Duke of York Column. Bus journeys vary from 15 to 40 minutes depending on your starting point. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fares, typically under £3 per ride.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from central London locations like Trafalgar Square to Waterloo Place takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic. Prices generally range from £8 to £15. Note that traffic congestion charges may apply during peak hours.

Duke of York Column location weather suitability

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

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Discover more about Duke of York Column

A Monument Honoring Military Reform and Legacy

The Duke of York Column stands as a grand tribute to Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, the second son of King George III. Known for his pivotal role as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, the Duke implemented crucial reforms that modernized the military during the Napoleonic Wars, shaping the British Army’s future effectiveness. Following his death in 1827, a fund was raised primarily by soldiers who donated a day's pay each, reflecting the deep respect he earned from the troops he led and reformed.

Architectural Design and Construction

Designed by architect Benjamin Dean Wyatt, the column was constructed between 1831 and 1834. It rises approximately 42 meters (137 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest free-standing columns in London. The structure is made of granite with a cast iron base, enveloped in Portland stone, showcasing advanced engineering for its time. Atop the column stands a bronze statue of the Duke, sculpted by Sir Richard Westmacott, measuring over four meters tall and weighing over 7,600 kilograms. The statue depicts the Duke dressed in the robes of the Knights of the Garter, symbolizing his noble status.

Location and Urban Context

The column is prominently situated at Waterloo Place, where Regent Street meets The Mall, flanked by the elegant Carlton House Terraces. This location was purposefully selected as the southern terminus of John Nash’s grand urban design linking Regent’s Park to Westminster. The column stands above the Duke of York Steps, a monumental flight of stairs leading down to The Mall, a ceremonial route used for royal processions. From its base, visitors can enjoy views over The Mall and St James's Park, adding to its significance within London’s historic landscape.

Visitor Experience and Historical Anecdotes

Inside the column is a spiral staircase of 168 steps that once led to a viewing platform at the top, although public access is now restricted. The column’s height and commanding presence have inspired local lore, including jokes that the Duke was trying to escape his creditors, as he died heavily in debt. The column also has a somber history, with recorded suicides from the viewing platform in the 19th century leading to its closure. Today, the column forms a majestic backdrop to events and ceremonies along The Mall, blending history with the vibrant life of the city.

Architectural Ensemble and Surroundings

Waterloo Place is home to several other notable sculptures and memorials, including statues of King Edward VII and Florence Nightingale, enhancing the area’s cultural richness. The column’s placement within this ensemble reflects the grandeur of early 19th-century London urban planning and architecture. Its presence complements the nearby Horse Guards Parade and the ceremonial route, making it a key landmark within the city’s historic core.

Photographic and Cultural Highlights

For visitors, the Duke of York Column offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hour when the light accentuates the Portland stone and bronze statue. Its alignment with The Mall provides a striking visual axis that captures the ceremonial heart of London. Sitting on nearby benches allows visitors to absorb the historic atmosphere and observe the daily rhythms of city life, where the column stands as both a monument and a living part of London’s urban fabric.

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