The Cenotaph, Whitehall: National Monument for Remembrance

Available for over a year

The Cenotaph, which means empty tomb in Greek, was originally intended to be a temporary memorial. In 1919, a wood and plaster structure was designed by Edwin Lutyens to mark the anniversary of the Armistice. After it was unveiled the structure was soon surrounded with wreaths in remembrance of the dead and missing of World War One. Such was the strength of feeling it was decided the Cenotaph should become a permanent memorial. Lutyens’ Portland stone Cenotaph inscribed with “The Glorious Dead” was unveiled by King George V in 1920. Each year, on the Sunday nearest to 11 November; a Remembrance Service takes place at the Cenotaph. The service remembers men and women who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Location: The Cenotaph, Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS Image: The unveiling of The Cenotaph, courtesy of IWM