Why is the Cenotaph in Whitehall?

Why is the Cenotaph in Whitehall?

The Cenotaph in Whitehall is Britain’s chief national war memorial to the dead of the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Taking its name from the Greek words meaning ’empty tomb’, it is the focus of national ceremonies of remembrance, held annually since 1919.

Who designed the Cenotaph in Whitehall?

Edwin LutyensThe Cenotaph / ArchitectSir Edwin Landseer Lutyens OM KCIE PRA FRIBA was an English architect known for imaginatively adapting traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era. He designed many English country houses, war memorials and public buildings. Wikipedia

Why is it called a Cenotaph?

The word cenotaph is derived from the Greek kenos taphos, meaning “empty tomb.” A cenotaph is a monument, sometimes in the form of a tomb, to a person or group of persons buried elsewhere. Ancient Greek writings tell of many cenotaphs, although none of them survives.

What is an empty grave called?

Why is it called a cenotaph?

When was the Cenotaph in Whitehall built?

The Cenotaph
Unveiled 11 November 1920
Location 51°30′09.6″N 0°07′34.1″W Whitehall, City of Westminster London, SW1
Designed by Edwin Lutyens
THE GLORIOUS DEAD

How many people came to the Cenotaph in London?

Within a week, an estimated 1.2 million people came to the cenotaph to pay their respects to the dead, and huge quantities of flowers were laid at the base of the monument. According to The Times, “no feature of the victory march in London made a deeper impression than the Cenotaph”.

Is the Cenotaph the most important war memorial?

Art historian Alan Borg wrote that the Cenotaph was the “one memorial that proved to be more influential than any other”. Borg observed that there was no agreed standard for war memorials, with wide variations in design, though Lutyens’ Cenotaph and Sir Reginald Blomfield ‘s Cross of Sacrifice came closest.

What is the origin of the Cenotaph?

The Cenotaph is a war memorial on Whitehall in London, England. Its origin is in a temporary structure erected for a peace parade following the end of the First World War, and after an outpouring of national sentiment it was replaced in 1920 by a permanent structure and designated the United Kingdom’s official national war memorial.

What time is Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph?

The Cenotaph is the site of the annual National Service of Remembrance held at 11:00 am on Remembrance Sunday, the closest Sunday to 11 November (Armistice Day). From 1919 until 1945, the remembrance service was held on Armistice Day, but since 1945 it has been held on Remembrance Sunday.