Duke of York's Column, The - Sightseeing, Monuments, Parks & Gardens, London Monuments

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Duke of York's Column, The

Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AR

Perhaps best known today for the children's nursery rhyme 'The Grand old Duke of York' this military man also has a theatre named after him.

His column, erected in 1833, stands 124 feet tall above the Duke of York Steps. On top is the Duke of York's Statue, which looks down on the Duke of York's parking meters! But just who was the Duke of York and why have so many things been named after him?

It turns out that he was the second son of King George III and directed the British Army during the French Revolution as their Commander-in-Chief. He died leaving huge debts and his column was paid for by stopping a days wages from the men of the British Army he commanded which I'm sure, made him very popular at the time.

If you should visit the Duke's column look out for statues of Florence Nightingale and Scott of the Antarctic nearby.

Nearest Underground (Tube) Stations: Green Park & Charing Cross