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Marble Arch, designed by John Nash in 1928, was based on Rome's Arch of Constantine. The Arch was built in 1828, originally intended to be the entrance to Buckingham Palace, but the monument was found to be too narrow for the grandest coaches and was moved here in 1851 to become the gateway to Hyde Park. On the top of the Arch was meant to be a bronze equestrian statue of George IV by Chantrey; this sculpture ended up in Trafalgar Square.
Now marooned on a traffic island Marble Arch marks the western extent of Oxford Street. Only senior members of the Royal Family and one of the artillery regiments are allowed to pass beneath it.
Just over the road, at Hyde Park Corner, people gather today at what is known as Speakers Corner, where on Sunday afternoons speakers and hecklers assemble to debate a variety of topics.
Nearby Aspley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital's finest residences. Also known as 'Number One London', because it was the first house encountered past the toll-gate into London from the countryside.
Nearby Madame Tussauds presents models of well-known sports personalities, musicians, film stars and statesmen from around the world.
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Queen, and was first opened to the public in 1993.
Marble Arch is close to Marylebone and the attractions of the West End. Therefore it benefits from the best the city has to offer.
There are great restaurants, pubs, bistros and cafes in any direction. Not to mention plentiful shopping along Oxford Street and Regent Street and of course the world class Bond Street. This area is close to the entertainment in the West End and the theatre district.
The Marble Arch and Bond Street tube stops are just a 2-5 minutes walk.
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