Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the Nave there is a memorial to Pitt the Younger over the Great West Door. Nearby
are monuments to Charles James Fox, with a slave at his feet to commemorate his efforts to
abolish the trade; Spencer Perceval, the Prime Minister assassinated in 1812; William Wil-
berforce, another passionate campaigner against slavery; and Sir Stamford Raffles, founder
of Singapore.
You leave the Abbey by the Great West Door. Crossing Broad Sanctuary to Storey's Gate
leads you to Birdcage Walk and the corner of St James's Park. Enter and walk across to the
bridge over the lake.
The park itself was a pleasant promenade by day but at night was a notorious haunt of
prostitutes of both sexes. In 1814 it was the site of a series of extravagant celebrations:
first for the centenary of Hanoverian rule; then the anniversary of the Battle of the Nile;
and finally the peace celebrations following Napoleon's exile to Elba. The architect Nash
designed an exotic seven-storey pagoda, which unfortunately caught fire during a firework
display, and a bridge, which lasted rather longer.
From the modern bridge there is an excellent view of Buckingham Palace. Jane knew it
as the Queen's House and it only took on its present appearance when George IV began
its enlargement to fit his concept of a fitting palace. The façade facing down the Mall is
twentieth century.
The Queen's House before George IV's remodelling to create Bucking-
ham Palace. In this winter's scene there are skaters on the lake in St
James's Park.
Cross the bridge and turn right to follow the lake shore back towards Whitehall, emer-
ging onto Horse Guards Parade. In 1852 the funeral procession of the Duke of Wellington
formed up here, the only location large enough to accommodate it.
To your right the southern boundary is formed by the garden wall of 10 Downing Street.
Number 10 has been the official residence of the Prime Minister since 1732 and Beau
Brummell was born here in 1778 when his father was private secretary to Lord North.
Number 11 has been used by the Chancellor of the Exchequer since 1805.
In the early nineteenth century the Colonial Office was in Downing Street and it was
there, in 1805, that Nelson and Wellington had their only encounter. Nelson's thoughts
were not recorded, but Wellington was unimpressed by the Admiral's boastful manner.
