Cheylesmore Memorial

Cheylesmore Memorial is a limestone monument in Victoria Embankment Gardens featuring a decorative stone screen with integrated seating and a small water feature at its base. The structure sits openly within the gardens, creating a quiet stopping point among other monuments and green spaces.

The memorial was designed by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens and unveiled in 1930 by Prince Arthur, making it a significant addition to London's public monuments of that period. The choice of Portland stone and refined design reflected the standards applied to such memorials during the interwar years.

The memorial commemorates Lord Cheylesmore, whose name reflects his role in city administration and public service. You can see here a form of tribute typical of the early 20th century, when important public figures were honored through permanent stone monuments in public gardens.

The memorial sits in the heart of Victoria Embankment Gardens and remains freely accessible to visitors at any time, with easy pedestrian access from nearby streets. Its location near the riverside and central London attractions makes it simple to include in a walking route through the city.

The stone carries an engraved inscription that documents not only his military career but also his roles as administrator and philanthropist. This combination of three descriptions was uncommon for memorials of that era and reflects the range of his contributions.