Embankment River Wall, Stairs And Lamp Standards

The Embankment River Wall, Stairs, and Lamp Standards were constructed between 1864 and 1870 by Sir Joseph Bazalgette as part of the improvements to London's drainage system, which included interceptor sewers on both sides of the Thames. The lamp standards, known as "dolphin" designs, were created by Timothy Butler, with most dated 1870. The structure features granite retaining walls and cast iron lamp standards. The retaining walls are boldly detailed and slant towards the river, adorned with bronze lion heads that hold mooring rings. The parapet has a heavy segmental rolled coping, with regularly spaced dies topped by the ornately designed "dolphin" lamp standards that support globe lanterns. At the Westminster Bridge end, a similarly styled wall separates the Embankment from the road that rises to bridge level, featuring stone paving and steps between the two levels, along with a flight of stairs next to the Boadicea monument. Temple Stairs at the east end includes a large, boldly channelled semicircular archway. For information on the various memorials and public seats, please refer to separate entries.