Marble Arch was designed in 1827 by John Nash as the triumphal ceremonial gateway to the courtyard  of Buckingham Palace.  Nash was the accomplished architect who was largely responsible for changing the look of London during the early 19th century.  He modeled the arch after Rome's Arch of Constantine from the fourth century.  Both structures feature Corinthian columns and three arches - one large central arch and smaller arches of either side.  The arch was made of white Carrara marble and was originally decorated with a number of fine sculptures, all of which no longer remain with the arch.  A bronze equestrian was planned for the top.  They have all been relocated to various other places in London - some at Buckingham Palace, some at the National Gallery, and the equestrian now installed on one of the pedestals in Trafalgar Square.

The arch was dismantled in 1850 when the new east section of Buckingham Palace was constructed, closing in the courtyard.  In 1851 it was rebuilt and moved to its current site on a large traffic island at the northeast corner of Hyde Park - serving as a gateway to the neighborhoods of Bayswater and Marylebone.  When it was located at Buckingham, only senior members of the Royal Family as well as the Royal Horse Artillery and troops could pass through.  Today, you can freely walk through the arches. 

The arch had become discolored and lost it's whiteness in the polluted London atmosphere.  Today, it has been beautifully cleaned and returned to  its original lustre.  There are still discussions that the arch might be moved to Hyde Park or to a more prominent location.

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