Victoria Embankment

The Victoria Embankment, previously the Thames Embankment is a road and walkway along the north bank of the River Thames in London in the cities of Westminster and London.

History

It was created in 1870 by Joseph Bazalgette, and was a project of the Metropolitan Board of Works. Its construction involved the buying up and demolishing of much expensive riverside property, and was partially intended to ease congestion on the Strand and Fleet Street. During its construction the tunnels for the District Line were laid underneath the Embankment.

Route

The Victoria Embankment starts at Westminster Bridge, just north of the Palace of Westminster, then follows the course of the river bank north, past Hungerford Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, and then ends at Blackfriars Bridge.

Transport

London Underground stations on the Embankment are Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross, Temple and Blackfriars.

The Embankment was also the southern end of the Kingsway tramway subway.

Tourist attractions

Ships permanently moored by the Embankment include HMS President and HQS Wellington. Other attractions include Cleopatra's Needle and a monument to Bazalgette.