General Gordon Statue - Image 1
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General Gordon Statue

4.8
·10 reviews·, United Kingdom

A bronze tribute to General Charles George Gordon, a revered Victorian hero, set in the scenic Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Annual Memorial Weekend

Witness the impressive school parade.

CrowdMedium
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General Gordon Statue - Image 1

General Gordon Statue

Best Time

Annual Memorial Weekend

Witness the impressive school parade.

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bronze tribute to General Charles George Gordon, a revered Victorian hero, set in the scenic Victoria Embankment Gardens.

4.8
(10 reviews)

"An impressive-looking statue set in beautiful gardens, honoring a true Christian Victorian gentleman."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Parade Dates

Confirm the annual parade date for Gordon's School to witness this unique ceremony.

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Gardens

The statue is set in beautiful gardens, perfect for a peaceful walk.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The General Gordon Statue

The General Gordon Statue

Victoria Embankment Gardens

A striking bronze statue honoring the heroic Victorian soldier and humanitarian, General Charles George Gordon.

Gordon's School Annual Parade

Gordon's School Annual Parade

Whitehall to Victoria Embankment Gardens

Experience the vibrant annual march by Gordon's School students and their Pipes and Drums, a moving tribute.

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Planning Your Visit

Annual Memorial Parade

Witness the impressive annual parade by Gordon's School students and their Pipes and Drums marching down Whitehall to commemorate General Gordon. This event, usually held around the anniversary of his death, is a significant spectacle.

Location and Significance

The General Gordon Statue, also known as the Gordon of Khartoum statue, is located on Victoria Embankment Gardens. It honors Charles George Gordon, a revered Victorian hero known for his anti-slavery and anti-poverty campaigns.

Best Times

When
Annual Memorial Weekend
Why
Witness the impressive school parade.
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Enjoy peaceful gardens.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

General Gordon once had a statue in Trafalgar Square. This school commemorates him each year. Always fun to hear bagpipes, especially so many! You never know what London will present to you. #amberisthebesttourguide #tourguidelife #tourguides #londontourguide #bagpipes #generalgordon #whitehall #london🇬🇧
americanldn
18 likes • 2.5K views

🎯 Check Parade Dates

Confirm the annual parade date for Gordon's School to witness this unique ceremony. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Gardens

The statue is set in beautiful gardens, perfect for a peaceful walk. Reddit

Final rehearsal before the big day tomorrow when these students in Years 9 and 11, together with the Gordon’s School Pipes and Drums leave the General Gordon statue in West End to march along Whitehall to the General Gordon Statue in Victoria Embankment Gardens. The bass drum now sports a new skin to commemorate the school’s 140th anniversary this year. Best of luck to all those taking part tomorr...
gordonsschofficial
116 likes • 4K views
Gordon's School Pipes and Drums as they march out of King Charles Street on to Whitehall, leading the School to the statue of General Charles George Gordon, in whose name the School was founded by Queen Victoria, marking the beginning of our Memorial Weekend. #GeneralGordon #MemorialWeekend #BritishWarHero #Parade #Marching #Proud #Cermonial #Whitehall #London #City #Pipes #Drums #gspd
pipes_anddrums
87 likes • 996 views

📸 Capture the Ceremony

Bring your camera for the impressive sight of the Pipes and Drums marching. Instagram

🧐 Learn His Story

Research General Gordon's life; he was an anti-slavery and anti-poverty hero. Reddit

Students, led by the Pipes and Drums bring Whitehall to a standstill today for the annual Parade in memory of General Charles Gordon, in whose honour the school was founded. Over 200 students took part in the Parade to the General Gordon statue on the banks of the Thames. There, during the Memorial Service, wreaths were laid at the foot of the statue by Trustee Tom Gordon and representatives of th...
gordonsschofficial
355 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Parade Dates

Confirm the annual parade date for Gordon's School to witness this unique ceremony. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Gardens

The statue is set in beautiful gardens, perfect for a peaceful walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Ceremony

Bring your camera for the impressive sight of the Pipes and Drums marching. Instagram

🧐 Learn His Story

Research General Gordon's life; he was an anti-slavery and anti-poverty hero. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors express deep admiration for General Charles Gordon, viewing him as a heroic Victorian figure and an inspiration for his integrity and humanitarian work. The statue is appreciated for its impressive appearance and its setting in beautiful gardens. The annual memorial parade by Gordon's School is frequently highlighted as a particularly moving and impressive event.

"One of my greatest heroes and one of the britons that I admire the most. A true christian victorian gentleman who believed in what he did. A man made strong by the difficulties he faced and his personal circumstances. A man who continues to be an inspiration to me in many ways. It's a great honour that destiny has given me the opportunity to paid my respects to him by visiting his statue."

Roberto Martínez Romero

"We visit here each year, around the anniversary of Gordon's death in Khartoum, for a commemorative service and wreath laying ceremony. The children from Gordon's School march down Whitehall to the statue which is always an impressive sight - even for Central London."

Paul Ivory

"Victorian anti-slavery campaigner, anti-poverty campaigner, and all-around old fashioned hero, General Charles Gordon."

Steve Kenny

What People Like

Heroic Victorian figure
Impressive statue
Beautiful gardens

What People Dislike

Limited visitor facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The General Gordon Statue is located in Victoria Embankment Gardens, easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, Circle, District lines) and Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo lines). From either station, it's a short walk along the Thames. TikTok

Parking in the immediate vicinity of Victoria Embankment Gardens can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport to reach the statue. TikTok

Yes, you can walk from Trafalgar Square to the General Gordon Statue. It's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes, passing through Whitehall. TikTok

The most convenient Tube stations are Embankment and Charing Cross. Numerous bus routes also serve the Whitehall and Embankment areas, making it easy to reach. TikTok

The pathways around Victoria Embankment Gardens are generally flat and paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the General Gordon Statue and Victoria Embankment Gardens are free to visit and do not require any tickets for entry. TikTok

Victoria Embankment Gardens are generally open from dawn until dusk. There are no specific closing times posted, but it's best to visit during daylight hours. TikTok

There is no admission fee to view or approach the General Gordon Statue. It is a public monument. TikTok

To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings outside of school holidays. The annual parade day can be very busy. Instagram

The most notable event is the annual memorial parade and service by Gordon's School, usually held around the anniversary of General Gordon's death. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. Instagram

While there are no explicit rules against tripods for personal photography, it's advisable to be considerate of other visitors, especially during busy times or events. Instagram

Try capturing the statue from the front, looking up to emphasize its grandeur. Also, consider shots from the side or with the Thames as a backdrop. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos during the annual parade, but be mindful of the marching students and the ceremonial nature of the event. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in central London, especially near public monuments and parks. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. TikTok

🎫 🧐 History & Significance

General Charles George Gordon (1833-1885) was a British Army officer and imperialist. He was known for his service in China and his role in the Sudan, where he died defending Khartoum. He is also remembered as a Victorian hero, anti-slavery campaigner, and philanthropist. Reddit

The statue honors General Gordon's heroic actions and his significant impact as a Victorian figure. It was erected in his memory and stands as a testament to his legacy. Reddit

Gordon's School was founded in 1885 in memory of General Charles George Gordon. The school maintains a strong connection and holds an annual parade to commemorate him. Instagram

The statue symbolizes General Gordon's bravery, his dedication to duty, and his humanitarian efforts. It's a reminder of his status as a revered British hero. Reddit

General Charles George Gordon was born in London, England, on January 28, 1833. Reddit

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👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The General Gordon Statue and its surrounding gardens offer a pleasant, open space for families. While the statue itself might be more of an educational stop, the gardens provide room for children to move around. The highlight for families is often the annual parade by Gordon's School, which is a lively and engaging spectacle with the Pipes and Drums. Instagram

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to enjoy the gardens more peacefully. Pack some snacks and drinks, as amenities directly at the statue are limited. It's a good opportunity to teach children about historical figures and British heritage in a relaxed setting. TikTok

🚶 History Buffs & Admirers

For those fascinated by Victorian history and military figures, the General Gordon Statue is a must-see. It's a chance to connect with the legacy of a man revered for his bravery, integrity, and humanitarian efforts. Take time to read any available plaques and perhaps research his life beforehand to fully appreciate his story. Reddit

Visiting during the annual memorial parade offers a unique historical reenactment and a glimpse into the enduring respect for General Gordon. The statue's location on Victoria Embankment also places it within easy reach of other historical sites in Westminster, making it a great addition to a history-focused itinerary. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of General Gordon

General Charles George Gordon, often referred to as 'Gordon of Khartoum,' was a complex and highly respected figure of the Victorian era. His military career spanned service in the Crimean War, China, and most famously, the Sudan. He was known for his piety, integrity, and unwavering sense of duty, which earned him widespread admiration. Beyond his military achievements, Gordon was a passionate advocate against slavery and poverty, dedicating himself to humanitarian causes. His death in Khartoum in 1885, during a siege, cemented his status as a national hero and martyr. Reddit

His legacy is preserved not only through monuments like the statue on Victoria Embankment but also through institutions like Gordon's School, founded in his honor. The school's annual parade, featuring its Pipes and Drums, is a direct continuation of this remembrance, bringing Whitehall to a standstill each year. This tradition highlights the enduring impact of Gordon's life and values on subsequent generations. Instagram+1

Visitors often express deep admiration for Gordon's character, viewing him as an inspiration for his strength in adversity and his commitment to his beliefs. The statue serves as a focal point for this admiration, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal historical figure. Reddit

Experiencing the Annual Memorial Parade

The annual parade by Gordon's School is a highlight for many visitors and locals alike. This ceremonial march sees hundreds of students, led by the school's Pipes and Drums, parade down Whitehall towards the General Gordon Statue. It's a visually striking event, with the students in uniform and the stirring sound of bagpipes filling the air. Instagram+1

The parade culminates in a memorial service at the statue, where wreaths are laid. This tradition is a powerful reminder of General Gordon's legacy and the school's founding principles. For those interested in British military history or ceremonial events, this parade offers a unique and memorable experience. It's advisable to check the school's official website or local event listings for the exact date of the parade, as it typically occurs around the anniversary of Gordon's death in January. Instagram

Witnessing the parade provides a deeper understanding of the statue's significance and the ongoing connection between Gordon's School and its namesake. The event is often described as impressive and moving, even amidst the bustle of Central London. InstagramReddit

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