London used to run on horse transport; in fact, it’s a cliche to say that traffic moves as slow now as it did before the age of the motorcar. And all those horses have left their mark in various ways. We love horses - hope you do, too.
Any comments - or a suggestion? Please e-mail me.
Physical Energy
George Frederick Watts, RA, was one of the foremost painters of his time but did little sculptural work because of an allergy to plaster. This massive bronze, another casting of which forms the Rhodes Memorial in Cape Town, was put here in 1908. He was responsible for Postman’s Park.
Kensington Gardens W8
Tube: South Kensington
Sand Bin
Used to keep the streets clean of manure, or deaden the sounds of iron-shod cart-wheels outside the home of the sickly, these boxes were a common fixture in the horse-drawn 19th-century. This last surviving example was restored in 1945.
Temple Place WC2
Tube: Temple
Jacob The Cart Horse
This wonderful life-size dray was lifted into place near the south end of Tower Bridge by helicopter in 1987 to mark the work done in the docks by horses. He is near the site of the former stables of the Horseleydown Brewery, founded by John Courage in 1787.
Queen Elizabeth Street SE1
Tube: Tower Hill
Horses
Yorkshire Grey
Two horses for the price of one, with the attractive relief of a Scots Grey cavalryman. Lord Lucan (before he disappeared) was a regular while using a nearby bookie and one corner of the pub is a memory to those early 70s. This pub actually now has a reputation for very fine food.
29-33 Grays Inn Road WC1X 8HR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7583 3443
Tube: Chancery Lane
Constitution Arch
The huge bronze quadriga on top of the Wellington Arch was put up in 1912 and is the largest bronze in Europe. Designed by Adrian Jones, it shows the angel of peace descending on the chariot of war. The face of the charioteer was the 11-year-old son of Lord Michelham, who funded the sculpture.
Hyde Park Corner SW1
Tube: Hyde Park Corner
Rebellion
This 5m-high bronze horse by Judy Boyt was commissioned by Standard Life and sits high on East India House, looking down on Petticoat Lane market. It was awarded the RBS silver medal in 1993. Boyt specialises in animals and her work is in demand in the horse-racing world.
Middlesex Street E1
Tube: Liverpool Street
The Horse Hospital
Built in 1797, The Horse Hospital is a unique arts venue in Bloomsbury, which retains original features such as entrance by horse ramp, tethering rings, cast iron pillars and a cobbled floor. Don’t send them any sick horses, though.
30 Colonnade WC1N 1HX
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 3644
Tube: Russell Square
Sienna Buildings
Several fine horses for the price of one adorning this frontage in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewellery centre. Their gilt covering is starting to peel off, but they are still full of life and will hopefully be restored to full splendour in due course. (The building is now being converted into apartments.)
Hatton Garden EC1
Tube: Chancery Lane
