Marble Arch, named after a landmark structure near Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, at the western end of Oxford Street has a chequered history. In the old days the area was synonymous with public executions. London's most notorious criminals were hanged here in front of huge crowds of bloodthirsty spectators. At one point in history even a grandstand was set up to seat these spectators! With those days now long gone, Marble Arch, London W1 which lies between the very affluent Park Lane and extremely busy Oxford Street and Edgware Road is a lively spot with thousands of tourists making it their base from which to explore London.