1901 – T.G. Jackson design for Queen Victoria Memorial, London

“The Square at the West end. — At the west end of the Mall in front of the Palace I form a regular square or ‘ place ’ enclosed by colonnades, and partly occupied by gardens. It seems essential to the dignity of the scheme that this part should be laid on formal lines, having relation to the facade of the Palace and the straight avenue of the Mall beyond. I have also thought it important, so far as it can be done without inconvenience, to divert all public carriage traffic from this area. The cross road from north to south in front of the Palace must of course remain, but I make the two public carriage roads which run east and west to pass entirely outside of the colonnades which would screen the enclosed space from dust and noise, allow the monuments it contains to be enjoyed by the public without interruption, and so add materially to the quiet of the Palace itself.

It will be seen from my plan that this makes the line of road by Constitution Hill considerably more direct than at present, and provides a second carriage road on the other side.

The enclosed square is shut off from the Mall by a screen of piers, railings and gates, which excludes public wheel traffic, but gives foot passengers free access to the gardens and enclosure. Gates, however, at each end of the screen would be opened for carriages going to the Palace at receptions, and the Royal gate in the middle for the King when going in State to Westminster.

The Queen’s monument would occupy the centre of the square, right and left of it I have placed a fountain of bronze in a basin of stone, and round it are groups of statuary representing the principal Colonies and Dependencies of the Empire. The area would be gay with flowers and shrubs in grass plots, and the coionnades would afford shelter and shade, and would be admirably suited for spectators at State processions, for whom the flat roof would also be available.”
The Builder, November 16, 1901.