HYDE PARK CORNER. The great west-end entrance into London. A turnpike gate with double lodges stretched across the road as late as Oct. 1825. The triple archway, combined with an Ionic screen leading into Hyde Park, and the Triumphal Arch at the top of Constitution-hill, were designed by Decimus Burton, and erected 1828. ...  Bronze equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, by Matthew Cotes Wyatt, erected by public subscription in 1846. The subscription amounted, it is said, to 30,000l.

Peter Cunningham, Hand-Book of London, 1850

see also George Sala in Twice Round the Clock - click here

HYDE PARK CORNER AND APSLEY HOUSE.

Our view in this instance shows a part of one of the most attractive spots in London. To the left is seen the entrance to the Park, known as Hyde Park Corner, a handsome gateway with three passages. It was designed by Burton, the reliefs being copies of the world-famous Elgin marbles, and it was built in 1828. The fine mansion with the four columns is Apsley House, purchased be the Government in 1820 as a gift to the Duke of Wellington, in acknowledgment of his services to the nation. It contains some fine pictures and statues and many interesting relics of the great Duke. Next to Apsley House is the town residence of Lord Rothschild, while beyond are the mansions of other wealthy men.