The Achilles Statue, Hyde Park

This statue is in Hyde Park, and was built as a tribute to Arthrur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington by "the Women of England". Created in 1822 it reads:

To Arthur, Duke of Wellington,
and his brave companions in arms
this statue of Achilles
cast from cannons won at the victories
of Salmanaca, Vittoria, Toulouse and Waterloo
is inscribed by their countrymen

It was the very first statue of a naked man on public display in London. Originally anatomically correct, the fig leaf was added later to save blushes although it has been chipped off twice - in 1870 and 1961. If you look closely at the large image you can see it is added. Two contemporary cartoons show the furore it caused. Appropriately enough, last week's bike ride started from here.

See where: London Daily Photo Map