The Mall, London

The Mall [ Mæl ] in London is the avenue in the capital and the first stage of the sovereign on his way either to the Houses of Parliament or to the parade ground at Horse Guards. It extends from Buckingham Palace in the west to Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square at its eastern end. On Sundays and holidays, and on ceremonial occasions it is closed to traffic.

History

Just before the gates of Buckingham Palace is the Queen Victoria Memorial, while the Admiralty Arch opens in the end, to Trafalgar Square down. On the south side of the boulevard is St. James 's Park; opposite on the north side are the Green Park and St. James 's Palace. A branch of the road, the Horse Guards Road runs south to Horse Guards Parade from where one of the three - daily in summer - changing of the guard takes place once a year, as well as Trooping the Colour as a belated birthday parade of the Queen.

The Mall was remodeled in the late 19th and early 20th century as a route for ceremonial occasions, including designed by Aston Webb new facade of Buckingham Palace, as well as the newly built Queen Victoria Memorial. Models were created for the high national celebrations boulevards in cities such as Washington DC, Paris, Berlin, Mexico City, Vienna, St. Petersburg and Oslo.

In state visits the British Queen or the British royal ride accompanied by an escort with the state guest up with the flags of both countries decorated Mall.

Originally The Mall was created as a broad avenue back in the 1660s. Once completed, they became in a short time to London's preferred promenade.

During the 2012 Summer Olympics The Mall start -finish line was several competitions in cycling and athletics. Among other things, here the road race, the race walking competitions and marathons were decided.