Statue of Captain James Cook

The Statue of Captain James Cook is a bronze sculpture on the south side of The Mall, close to Admiralty Arch, in the City of Westminster, London. It is the work of sculptor Thomas Brock, completed in 1914. The figure stands on a stone plinth and is maintained by The Royal Parks.

What does the statue show?

The monument commemorates James Cook, the British navigator and cartographer best known for his voyages in the Pacific. Cook is shown full length on a tall pedestal, with one foot resting on a coil of rope beside a capstan. The pose immediately recalls a ship's deck and the working life of a sailor.

Why is it here?

The setting is fitting. The statue sits right beside Admiralty Arch, the grand gateway linking The Mall with Trafalgar Square, close to the historic seat of the Royal Navy's administration. For anyone walking The Mall from the Trafalgar Square end, it is one of the first sculptures you meet.

Who made it?

Thomas Brock was one of the most respected British sculptors of his day. He also created the Queen Victoria Memorial at the opposite end of The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace. A walk along the avenue therefore lets you see two works by the same artist.

Unveiling and status

The statue was unveiled on 7 July 1914. The idea came from Joseph Carruthers, a former premier of New South Wales, who wrote to The Times pointing out that London had no memorial to Cook. The monument is a Grade II listed structure.

Visiting

The statue stands in the open beside one of London's most ceremonial streets, so it can be viewed at any hour and without a ticket. A few minutes is usually enough. It pairs well with a wider stroll: Trafalgar Square is a short walk away, and in the other direction The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace and St James's Park.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Cook statue?

On the south side of The Mall, next to Admiralty Arch, in the City of Westminster, London.

Who sculpted it?

Thomas Brock. It was completed in 1914.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. It stands in a public space managed by The Royal Parks and can be seen freely.

What is it made of?

The figure is cast in bronze and mounted on a stone plinth.

What else is nearby?

Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, St James's Park and the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, also by Thomas Brock.

For anyone interested in maritime history and exploration, this is a short but telling stop: a bronze Cook looks out over The Mall near the place from which Britain once directed its fleet. It makes a handy start or finish to a walk along The Mall, and an easy landmark to find when you are getting your bearings in central London, since it stands right at the entrance to the avenue.