Image credit: Rosser1954 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · 2016-11-16 ↗
The Duke of Wellington’s Horse Blocks
Waterloo Place / Pall Mall · Piccadilly → St James’s → Covent Garden · Historic street furniture / Wellington / horse-era London
Story
At first glance, these two stepped granite blocks, integrated into the kerbs of Waterloo Place, might appear to be merely functional. However, an inscription on each completely transforms their meaning: “This horse block was erected by desire of the Duke of Wellington 1830”. Protected at Grade II by Historic England, both blocks were indeed placed in 1830, one beside the Athenaeum Club and the other on the opposite side of the street. A horse block or mounting block was a vital piece of street furniture for everyday life in London during an era when horses and carriages dominated the thoroughfares. It allowed people to mount and dismount their horses or enter high carriages with greater ease. While popular lore often suggests that the aging Duke of Wellington personally needed the steps due to his mobility, the inscription itself only states that they were erected at his request. There is no need to embellish the evidence: the very fact that such an ordinary and utilitarian remnant of the equestrian age still stands outside one of London’s famous private clubs is remarkable enough. Seek out both blocks. Once you have identified the first, look visually across the street to locate its companion. They represent a small but significant piece of archaeology from London’s traffic history before the advent of the motor car.
What to look for
Look for two low, stepped granite blocks, one on each side of Waterloo Place, featuring an inscription naming the Duke of Wellington and the year 1830.
Secret detail
There are two identical blocks, not just one, positioned on opposite sides of the street. The inscription provides the only direct evidence of their origin and purpose.
Where exactly
The blocks are located in the kerbs of Waterloo Place, one beside the Athenaeum Club and the other opposite it.
Orientation
Look towards the kerbs on either side of Waterloo Place, rather than the large monuments in the square's centre.
Why it matters
These humble blocks offer a direct glimpse into 19th-century London life, revealing the everyday importance of equestrian transport and how urban infrastructure adapted to it.
Access & opening
Always visible subject to parked vehicles, events or temporary barriers.
Free
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
View from pavement; do not step into traffic to inspect.