Is Marble Arch London Made of Marble?

By Anna Duncan

Marble Arch is a popular tourist attraction located at the junction of Oxford Street, Park Lane, and Edgware Road in London. Standing tall at 80 feet high, this grand monument has been a symbol of London’s architecture since its construction in the 19th century.

But the question that often comes to mind is – Is Marble Arch London made of Marble?

The answer is no! Despite its name, Marble Arch is not made of marble.

In fact, the arch was originally designed to be built entirely out of marble by architect John Nash in 1827 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace. However, due to the high cost of marble and budget constraints, it was later decided to construct it using Portland stone instead.

Portland stone is a type of limestone that is commonly found in the Isle of Portland in Dorset. It has been used extensively in London’s architecture for centuries due to its durability and attractive appearance. The same material was used to construct many other iconic buildings such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the British Museum.

Marble Arch was completed in 1833 and was initially located outside Buckingham Palace. It served as a grand entrance to the palace until it was moved to its current location in 1851 when Buckingham Palace underwent major renovations.

Today, Marble Arch stands tall as a unique landmark that represents both architectural beauty and historical significance. Its design features intricate details such as carved friezes depicting scenes from British military campaigns and battles.

Despite not being made of actual marble, Marble Arch still remains an impressive structure that draws tourists from all over the world. Its location at the heart of Oxford Street also makes it easily accessible for visitors who want to take a closer look at this iconic monument.

In conclusion, while Marble Arch may not be made entirely out of marble like its name suggests, it still holds significant historical value and remains an important landmark in London’s architectural landscape.