A Journey to Cleopatra’s Needle in London
Located on the Victoria Embankment near the Golden Jubilee Bridges, a monument stands that might seem out of place amidst London’s architectural landscape – Cleopatra’s Needle. This ancient Egyptian obelisk is one of three similarly named structures around the world and carries with it an intriguing history that spans millennia and continents.
The History of Cleopatra’s Needle
Cleopatra’s Needle is actually much older than its name suggests. Despite its appellation, this impressive structure has no historical connection to the famous Queen Cleopatra VII herself. Instead, it was erected by Thutmose III (1479-1425 BC), who ruled Egypt during its highest point of power in 1450 BC, making it over 3,500 years old.
The ‘Needle’ refers not to a sewing instrument but rather an obelisk – a tall four-sided tapered monument ending with a pyramid-like shape at the top. The hieroglyphs inscribed onto all four sides glorify Thutmose III while also commemorating Ramses II.
The Journey to London
Despite being quintessentially Egyptian, this particular needle found its way to British soil as part of an elaborate gift exchange between nations. In 1819 Muhammad Ali Pasha, then ruler of Egypt and Sudan gifted it to Britain in recognition for victories at Alexandria by Nelson and at Cairo by Sir Ralph Abercromby during Napoleonic wars.
However transporting such an enormous stone artifact presented significant challenges due both to its size – standing nearly 21 meters high and weighing about 224 tons – as well as financial constraints. It wasn’t until almost six decades later when Sir William James Erasmus Wilson sponsored £10,000 (a considerable sum at the time) for its transportation, that Cleopatra’s Needle finally began its journey to London.
The Voyage of the Obelisk
Undergoing a perilous voyage across the Mediterranean and then up through the Atlantic, the obelisk was encased in a specially built vessel named ‘Cleopatra’. Unfortunately, six lives were lost when it was caught in a storm off Bay of Biscay. The ship with obelisk inside was abandoned by her crew but later discovered floating and towed into Ferrol Harbour in Spain. After necessary repairs, it continued on its way reaching England after more than four months at sea.
Cleopatra’s Needle Today
On September 12th, 1878 Cleopatra’s Needle found its final resting place on Victoria Embankment where it stands today as an iconic part of London’s historical landscape. Interestingly enough two bronze replicas of Egyptian sphinxes were added to guard either side although they face away from needle contrary to traditional design. These additions along with several other features such as time capsule buried beneath monument add even more intrigue to this already fascinating structure.
In conclusion, while many visitors may initially be drawn to Cleopatra’s Needle simply because of its exotic name or imposing stature amidst modern architecture; delving deeper into history reveals story full of adventure and resilience – truly worthy monument not only for ancient Egypt but also for city which now calls home.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cleopatra’s Needle in London?
Cleopatra’s Needle is one of the three ancient Egyptian obelisks standing in London, Paris, and New York City. Despite its name, this monument has no direct connection with Queen Cleopatra but was made for Pharaoh Thutmose III around 1450 BC. The obelisk in London stands on Victoria Embankment near the Golden Jubilee Bridges. It was presented to the United Kingdom by Egypt’s ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha as a gift in 1819.
How can I visit Cleopatra’s Needle?
Cleopatra’s Needle is located on Victoria Embankment near the Golden Jubilee Bridges and it is easily accessible by public transport. If you’re traveling via tube, you’ll want to get off at either Embankment or Temple stations which are both within walking distance from the monument. There isn’t an admission fee to see Cleopatra’s Needle since it stands out in public view.
What historical significance does Cleoparta’s Needle hold?
The Obelisk holds significant historical value due to its age and origin story. Carved around 1450 BC during Pharaoh Thutmose III reign, it stood at Heliopolis for about 1,400 years before being moved to Alexandria by Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar where it remained buried under sand for centuries until rediscovered. Its hieroglyphic inscriptions tell stories of military victories and praise gods of that time period.
Is there anything unique about the location of Cleoparta’s needle?
Apart from its own rich history, what makes this obelisk special are two bronze replicas of Sphinxes that guard it on either side adding more aesthetic appeal to its location along the Thames. Furthermore, a time capsule was buried under the obelisk during its re-erection in London in 1878, containing items like a set of British coins, a railway guide and even some children’s toys!
What are other nearby attractions to visit after Cleopatra’s Needle?
Besides Cleopatra’s Needle, there are several other iconic landmarks within walking distance that you can visit. These include Somerset House, Covent Garden Market for shopping enthusiasts and food lovers as well as Trafalgar Square which is home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery housing over 2,000 pieces of art.
