The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph rises as a simple stone pillar on Whitehall, displaying carved wreaths at each end without religious symbols or names of fallen soldiers. The inscription 'The Glorious Dead' appears on all four faces of the pale limestone structure.

Edwin Lutyens designed a temporary wooden version in 1919 for the victory parade after the First World War, which found deep resonance with the public. The government then decided to recreate the design in permanent Portland limestone and unveiled the stone monument in 1920.

The name comes from the Greek word for empty tomb and reflects the monument's role as a place of mourning without an actual burial. Each year on the second Sunday of November, members of the royal family lay poppy wreaths at the base of the white stone.

The monument stands freely accessible in the center of Whitehall and can be viewed up close at any time when no ceremony is taking place. In November, the area is cordoned off during commemoration events, and visitors should expect larger crowds.

The architect designed the pillar's lines with a slight curve so they would meet at infinity, creating a sense of timelessness. The absence of any names allows each person to bring their own memories to the space.

Location: City of Westminster

Location: London

Inception: 1919

Architects: Edwin Lutyens

Creator: Edwin Lutyens, Francis Derwent Wood

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: Portland limestone

Address: Parliament Street

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/the-cenotaph

GPS coordinates: 51.50269,-0.12608

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:29