Seats of Power, Whitehall and the Mall: London Icons

This walk took us through the part of London that houses the administrative government, both the ceremonial heads of government and those with real power. Not only does this section of the city provide an introduction to the administration and the rich tradition and history behind its government, it also was a convenient walk for seeing so many of London's famous icons in one place. My time in London is nearing its end, and I thought it would be appropriate to take this opportunity to make my theme "London Icons" and capture a few of London's icons located in this Whitehall area. Not surprisingly, most of these icons do relate to these Seats of Power, so it all comes together.



"Big Ben and Parliament"
One of the first things that anyone thinks of when London is mentioned is Big Ben. Honestly, until I came here I did not know that it was attached to the building that houses Parliament. There it is looking regal, London-y, and powerful.


"Oh, the Eye"
An interesting icon, the London Eye. It certainly looks powerful, due to its massive size. Real Londoners know that this is a tourist trap. It's ridiculously expensive for a view of the city, when a climb to the top of St. Paul's gives a very compelling view for much less. However, the Eye is still an iconic part of the London skyline.



"A Representation of Scotland Yard"
Another London icon is the distinctive police uniforms and hats. This walk gave a history of Scotland Yard and how the police force in London came to be known as such. The street sign pictured above alludes to the former Scottish palace that stood in this area, later replaced by Henry VIII's palace grounds which became known as Scotland Yard. The police in London were given an office here in the nineteenth century, giving it its name. I did not find an actual policeman in this area, so this street sign and all that it represents will have to do for that particular icon.



"Horse Guard"
As Holli said when we were taking this walk, "You can't throw a rock and not hit a palace in this country." True. And along with those palaces or other royal areas comes the need for royal guards in their various attire keeping a straight face while being mobbed by tourists and their cameras. These guards were guarding what used to be the location of Henry VIII's tennis courts. Arthur Bassett, author of our walks, informs us that they are one of the most photographed icons in London.



"Remembrance"
Throughout the beginning of November, a great number of London citizens can be seen sporting paper poppies on their overcoats in remembrance of both the Great War and World War II. Though this may not be an obvious icon, it is one for anyone who has visited London around November 11. This is a World War I memorial where the Queen comes every remembrance Sunday to lay a wreath of poppies.




"White Hall"
There is Whitehall itself, which leads from Parliament to Trafalgar Square, two very important London icons. This street contains the Prime Minister's residence and a number of War Memorials.



"Admiralty Arch"
This is an icon of the traditional administrative power, the Royal Family. These arches mark the beginning of the ceremonial route to Buckingham palace. The road is red, like a red carpet deepening the sense of tradition and respect for this London icon.



"Buckingham Silhouette"
A fairly awful picture of Buckingham palace, one of the most famous London icons around the world. Though the Queen and Royal Family hold no real power in the government today, they are still an important and romantic icon of tradition.