Designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1919, the Cenotaph began as a temporary structure, and was originally made from wood and plaster. However, the memorial earned such overwhelming public support that a permanent stone version debuted on Armistice Day—November 11, 1920. Today, the Cenotaph is London’s most important war memorial. On Remembrance Sunday (held on the Sunday closest to November 11), it hosts an annual National Service of Remembrance, during which members of the royal family, heads of military service, and veterans lay poppy wreaths on the monument.
The Cenotaph is included on hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and other history-themed walking tours in London. Given its proximity to many of London’s top attractions, the Cenotaph is also simple to visit independently.