October 2009 - London England
Admiralty Arch is an office building facing Trafalgar Square. It incorporates an archway for road and pedestrian access between The Mall and Trafalgar Square. It was built in 1912, and adjoins the Old Admiralty Building. The Admiralty Arch was commissioned by King Edward VII, in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, though he died before it was completed. On the top of the building are these Latin words:ANNO DECIMO EDWARDI SEPTIMI REGISVICTORIÆ REGINÆ CIVES GRATISSIMI MDCCCCX Translated, it says: In the 10th year of the reign of Edward VII, to Queen Victoria, from most grateful citizens, 1910 An oddity to the building, in addition to its shape, is that there is a small protrusion on the side wall of the northernmost arch, the size and shape of a human nose. There is no official information why it is there. The nose is seven feet high, which makes it waist height for someone riding through the arch on a horse. Tradition hold that it is Napoleon's nose. It was to be rubbed by anyone riding through the arch.
The nose is a mystery as it is made of brass and looks as though it has been well rubbed. Beautiful photos of the Arch.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful arch! It is odd about the nose shape. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
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