Statue of James Henry Greathead, Bronze statue near Royal Exchange, City of London, United Kingdom
The Statue of James Henry Greathead is a bronze figure in Cornhill Street near the Royal Exchange, showing the engineer with a broad-brimmed hat, coat, and engineering plans. The monument sits on a traffic island beside Bank Station and also serves as a cover for a ventilation shaft.
Greathead invented the traveling shield method, which enabled deep railway tunnel construction and revolutionized the London Underground in the 1880s. This technological breakthrough was crucial for expanding the underground transport network.
The statue displays South African heritage through Greathead's distinctive hat and formal dress, reflecting his background and influence on British engineering. These details tell the story of a man who bridged two continents and left his mark on London.
The monument sits on an easily accessible traffic island served by multiple bus routes and the underground network. Visitors can view the work anytime since it stands in public space with no entrance requirements.
The monument conceals a ventilation shaft for underground rail infrastructure beneath it, installed as a safety measure following the 1987 King's Cross fire. This dual function shows how practical safety needs merged with artistic commemoration.
Location: City of London
GPS coordinates: 51.51334,-0.08797
Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25
Londinium
104 m
Royal Exchange
60 m
Mansion House
97 m
St Mary Woolnoth
62 m
Bank of England Museum
97 m
Our Greatest Team Parade
97 m
London Troops War Memorial
20 m
St Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange
66 m
St Christopher le Stocks
96 m
Statue of George Peabody
116 m
Charity
114 m
Pediment of the Royal Exchange
13 m
Monument to Baron Paul Julius von Reuter
114 m
National Westminster Bank
100 m
15-22 Cornhill and 71-77 Lombard Street
28 m
13 And 14, Cornhill Ec3
15 m
Jubilee Drinking Fountain
106 m
1–6 Lombard Street
75 m
23-27, Cornhill Ec3
60 m
33–35 Cornhill
110 m
Former Scottish Widows' Office
80 m
1, Cornhill Ec3
38 m
Pump On Pavement South Of Royal Exchange
88 m
Phoenix House
135 m
1, King William Street
102 m
A Pair Of K6 Telephone Kiosks, Royal Exchange Buildings
107 m
Pair Of Piers And Iron Gates And Screen At Entrance To Church Of St Mary Woolnoth
58 m
2-4, Birchin Lane Ec3
113 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes