London Weekend Break

The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph was constructed to commemorate those lost and missing in the “Great War, otherwise known as World War I.

The word “Cenotaph” comes from two Greek words translating to “empty” and “tomb”, a literal description of what the Cenotaph is and represents (although there are in fact many different cenotaphs around the world).

The Cenotaph that stands in Whitehall, London, is constructed of Portland stone and was completed in 1920, but this is not in fact the original Whitehall structure.

The first Cenotaph on this spot was actually made of timber plaster board and was only intended as a temporary memorial, but after its significance was realized, the present day stone replica was erected.

Today, few mention the original temporary monument, but it was actually this first timber Cenotaph that witnessed the original “march past”, and it was only as a result of this “almost whimsical” model that we have the Cenotaph that is now recognised the world over.

The Cenotaph does of course pay tribute to the allies who lost their lives in the Great War, but an interesting fact (and one that brings reality to the scale of these horrific losses), is the fact that it would take three weeks for all those who were lost to march past it today.

There are many unusual geometric features of the Cenotaph, but its true importance lies in its symbolism, particularly on Remembrance Sunday, 11 November. .