The Quadriga That Wasn't - Wellington Arch's Abandoned War Hero Statue

The Wellington Arch, a Grade I-listed triumphal arch, stands at Hyde Park Corner, London. Built between 1826 and 1830, the arch was designed by Decimus Burton to commemorate Britain's victories in the Napoleonic Wars. In 1846, a colossal equestrian statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington, sculpted by Matthew Cotes Wyatt, was installed on the arch. But the statue's placement sparked controversy, with some, including Burton himself, arguing that it would dwarf the arch. Despite these objections, the Government chose to move forward with the placement. However, public sentiment turned against the decision, and a campaign ensued. The statue was ultimately removed in 1882 when the arch was moved and rebuilt, and it has not been reinstated since.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons