Mar 1878: Eventful journey: The coming of the Cleopatra's Needle obelisk to London was a far from straightforward enterprise

摘要

Almost 140 years ago this month, an iconic antiquity appeared on these pages. Having arrived into London in January 1878 after a tumultuous journey, Cleopatra's Needle was the centre of much attention. By March, a decision had been made on the location where it was to be sited, much to the chagrin of our predecessors.