London - Cenotaph

The Cenotaph in London has become the centre for Remembrance where on Remembrance Sunday the Queen lies a wreath on behalf of the nation. 

 

Designed by Edwin Lutyens and built from Portland Stone, the simple monolith is a non religious memorial with it's origins in remembering the sacrifices of the First World War.

 

Cenotaph London

The original Cenotaph was a temporary structure erected for a Peace Day Parade in July 1919, and any wreaths and flowers were left at it's base. Following the parade it was decided to erect the permanent structure which was unveiled by King George V  on 11th November 1920.

Cenotaph 11th November 1920

King George V lays wreath
Cenotaph 11th November 1920