Photographs Copyright © Martin Edwards 2003

To Arthur, Duke of Wellington,
and his brave companions in arms
this statue of Achilles
cast from cannons won at the victories
of Salmanaca, Vittoria, Toulouse and Waterloo
is inscribed by their countrymen

Placed on this spot
on the XVIII day of June MDCXXII
by command of
His Majesty George III.

Situated on the corner of Hyde Park nearest Constitution Hill is the Wellington Monument (1822 by Richard Westmacott), a nude Achilles, a cloak draped over his arm, and his armour beside him. He carries a leaf-shaped short sword, and holds aloft a shield. The statue is elevated on a pediment of plain granite blocks in two colours. It was cast from cannons captured in the Duke of Wellington's military campaigns.

11 July 2003