Cleopatra's Needle erected on the Thames Embankment

Background. The obelisk was presented to the Prince Regent in 1819 by Muhammad Ali, ruler of Egypt, as a diplomatic gift marking British victories over the French. It remained in Alexandria until 1877, when Sir William Wilson sponsored its transportation to London. The monument was dug from the sand and encased in a large iron cylinder for transport.

Sea Transport. The ships departed Alexandria on 21 September 1877. During the voyage, a storm in the Bay of Biscay on 14 October 1877 caused the ship Cleopatra to roll violently, forcing the towropes to be cut. The obelisk was recovered and arrived in the estuary on 21 January 1878.

Erection on the Embankment. A wooden model had previously been placed outside the Houses of Parliament, but that location was rejected. The obelisk was finally erected on the Victoria Embankment on 12 September 1878. A time capsule containing various contemporary items was concealed in the pedestal during the erection.

The Victoria Embankment. The Victoria Embankment is part of the Thames Embankment, running along the north bank of the River Thames in London. It acts as a major thoroughfare and is noted for several memorials, including Cleopatra's Needle and the Battle of Britain Monument.