The dragon is a symbol of the City of London.  They feature on the City arms in association with the Cross of St George, and are featured on boundary markers around the City.

 This monument marks the place where Wren’s Temple Bar used to stand, acting as the ceremonial entrance to the City of London for those approaching from Westminster.

beneath the dragon, stand the bronze statues of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. They appear here because in 1872 they were the last royals to pass through the old gate, heading to St Paul’s Cathedral which is short distance away. It seems they were attending a thanksgiving service for the Prince’s recovery from typhoid.

Copyright Debbie Smyth, 19 April 2019

Posted as part of Weekend B&W