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About this place
The Bust of Edward VII in London sits on a small green beside Mile End Road in the east of the city, in the borough of Tower Hamlets. A bronze head of the king rests on a pink marble plinth, and the monument is a Grade II listed structure. It is easy to walk past, yet it rewards anyone curious about East London's civic history.
What is this monument?
The bust portrays Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910. Freemasons of the Eastern District of London paid for it, and it was unveiled on 12 October 1911, after the king's death. Edward White, chairman of the London County Council, performed the ceremony and handed it over to Stepney Borough Council. A local firm, Harris and Son of Mile End Road, carried out the casting. The sculptor is not firmly established, so we leave the name out.
Where exactly is it?
You will find it on the north side of Mile End Road, on the grass in front of number 39, within the Stepney Green area. The coordinates are roughly 51.520 N, 0.054 W. Mile End Road is a major route running east out of the City, so the spot is well connected.
How do I get there?
The simplest option is the Underground to Stepney Green or Mile End (District, Hammersmith & City and Central lines). From either station it is a short walk along Mile End Road. Many bus routes also pass nearby.
What else is nearby?
Tower Hamlets is full of memorials and places tied to the working-class history of the East End. Pair the bust with a stroll around Stepney Green and the surrounding streets or the nearby parks. If you only stop at the monument, ten to fifteen minutes is plenty.
When should I visit?
The bust stands outdoors and can be seen at any hour, with no tickets. Daylight gives the best photos, and since London weather changes quickly, bring an umbrella.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee? No. The monument is in a public space and free to view at any time.
When was it erected? It was unveiled in October 1911, about a year and a half after Edward VII died.
Is it the only Edward VII memorial in London? No, the capital has several memorials to him. This one stands on Mile End Road in Tower Hamlets.
How long does a visit take? Ten to fifteen minutes for the bust itself, or around an hour with a short walk through the neighbourhood.
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