Cleopatra's Needle, Thames Embankment, London

Cleopatra's Needle, Thames Embankment London

I have seen Cleopatra's Needle on Thames Embankment many a time but have never really stopped to take a proper gander. An Egyptian obelisk isn't exactly what one might expect to see along the Thames in Central London. It's originates from Alexandria, the royal city of Cleopatra. It is believed to have been made for Pharaoh Thotmes/Tuthmose III in 1460BC as it is carved with Hieroglyphics praising him commemorating his third sed festival. 

If anyone has seen the film The Mummy will certainly remember the scene with Rachel Weisz in the library. Later inscriptions were added by Ramesses II to commemorate his victories. Read the inscriptions on the Needle.

Next to Cleopatra's Needle, Embankment, London

The Needle was erected on the a pink-granite monolith which sits on a pedestal and holds two earthenware pots. The pink granite would have come from Aswan, Egypt. The pots contain various objects; a portrait of Queen Victoria, iron ropes and cables, a hydraulic jack, copies of an engineering magazine, and portraits of 12 of the most beautiful Englishwomen. 

The setting is neatly completed by two large bronze Sphinxes which lie on either side facing the Needle. These are a very Victorian version of the traditional Egyptian original, but still are impressively beautiful. There area is also adorned with winged sphinxes on the benches.

View of Needle from Embankment Gardens

What is Cleopatra's needle doing in London?
Well it's an obvious question with a less obvious answer. It was a gift to the British people, in 1819 in recognition of Nelson's victory over the French fleet, at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Britain wanted something big and imposing to commemorate the British victory over Napoleon, sixty-three years earlier.

The British public subscribed £15,000 to bring it over from Alexandria in Egypt. Cleopatra's Needle arrived in England after a horrendous journey by sea in 1878. Plaques mounted round the base of the Obelisk give a brief history of the needle, and commemorated the men who died in the removal and transportation of the stone.

Across the road is the Embankment Gardens. Read more.

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