CHAPTER 10: PALL MALL EAST
As can be seen from Morden and Lea's map of 1682 (Plate 1) and
from the drawing reproduced on Plate 94a the Haymarket, Suffolk Street
and Hedge Lane (now Whitcomb Street) originally extended southwards to
Cockspur Street. After the formation of Regent Street H.M. Commissioners
of Woods and Forests agreed to carry out a suggestion, which had been
advanced many years previously, for the extension of Pall Mall eastwards to
St. Martin's Church (see p. 9). All the properties between Cockspur
Street and the newly-formed Pall Mall East were pulled down leaving a
triangular site which was taken by the College of Physicians and the Union
Club. (fn. a)
The College of Physicians and the Union Club
These premises were designed as an architectural entity in stone by
Sir Robert Smirke (fn. b) in 1824–27. The principal front of the College is in
Pall Mall East and comprises a hexastyle portico of Ionic columns, Smirke's
favourite order, which support a pediment (Plate 80b). The return front
of the block facing the Square is divided by pilasters, with the central portion
containing a series of three-quarter columns in a recessed bay. The whole
is surmounted by a balustraded parapet. The elevation to Cockspur Street
is on similar lines and originally had a large central bow window. Alterations
affecting the south and west fronts of the Club were carried out when the
premises were acquired for offices by the Canadian Government.
Statue of George III
The bronze equestrian statue of George III, which stands at the
junction of Pall Mall East with the Haymarket and Cockspur Street, was
executed by Matthew Coates Wyatt and erected in 1836. The statue
represents the king in military uniform, on his favourite charger, and with
his cocked hat lowered in his right hand. The horse is represented as somewhat spirited, his right foreleg being raised, his mouth open and his full
flowing tail slightly distended. The pedestal is of Portland stone and has a
moulded plinth and cornice, with each of the sides consisting of a plain
rectangular face, with rounded surfaces to the ends. On the northern face
is inscribed "King George III" (Plate 79).
Footnotes
| a |
For the earlier history of the site, see p. 89. |
| b |
Professor Richardson states that Smirke was a monumentalist in the fullest sense of
the word at a time when other men were trifling with Gothic architecture. Important works by
Smirke were the British Museum, the General Post Office, St. Martin's-le-Grand (now demolished),
and Covent Garden Theatre. |