Transporting the obelisk: Cleopatras needle arrives, London
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Transporting the obelisk: Cleopatras needle arrives, London
The cylinder ship " Cleopatra", with the obelisk, at Westminster Bridge, London. Date: February 1878
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Media ID 14270643
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1878 Cleopatra Cylinder Minster Needle Obelisk Obelisks Reaches Westminster
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of London, on a frosty February day in 1878, the historic moment unfolded as the colossal Cleopatra's Needle obelisk arrived at its new home. The ancient Egyptian monument, adorned with hieroglyphics and intricate carvings, was carefully transported across the Atlantic Ocean from Alexandria, Egypt, aboard the cylindrical steamship "Cleopatra." The ship, named after the legendary queen of Egypt, sailed through the Thames River, towed by a fleet of smaller vessels, attracting a large crowd of spectators who gathered along the Westminster Bridge and the banks of the river. The needle, standing at an impressive height of over 60 feet, was meticulously lifted from the ship using a crane and carefully placed onto a barge for the final leg of its journey. The obelisk, which dates back to 1450 BC, was a gift from the people of Egypt to the United Kingdom in appreciation for the British support during the construction of the Suez Canal. It was initially intended to be placed in Kensington Gardens but was eventually moved to its current location at Victoria Embankment Gardens, near the Houses of Parliament. The arrival of Cleopatra's Needle marked a significant moment in London's history, symbolizing the city's connection to ancient Egypt and its role as a global hub of culture and commerce. The monument stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people involved in its transportation and remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.
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