Begun in 1868 and opened in 1882 by Her Majesty, were designed by G. E. Street, R.A. The cost of the buildings was about £700,000, and of the land upon which they stand £1,453,000. The Clock-tower and the "Griffin" in the middle of the road mark the site of Temple Bar.] [Illustration: _From an Engraving._} TEMPLE BAR IN 1837. This, the western gate of the City of London, was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1670. Above it, on iron spikes, used to be displayed the heads and limbs of executed traitors. Up to 1851 it was the custom to close the gates when the Sovereign was to enter the City in State, until a herald had knocked upon them with his bâton, when the procession, after some parley, was admitted. The Bar was removed in 1878.] But there were many claimants to the throne of the Amir. Among these was Abdurrahman, who lived in Turkestan, subsidised and protected by Russia. This prince appeared in Northern Afghanistan in March 1880, and a formidable rising took place in support of his claim. On April 19 General Stewart encountered a force, about 15,000 strong, at Ahmed Kel, and a fierce encounter took place. For some time it seemed as if the furious onslaught of the Afghans must prevail; the British infantry were driven back; it was only by means of his artillery that Stewart saved the day and the enemy was routed in the end. [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Lawrence, Dublin._ SACKVILLE STREET, DUBLIN, IN 1897. In the foreground is the statue, by Foley, of Daniel O'Connell; beyond the bridge is the monument of Sir John Gray, and, seen just behind it, the General Post Office. In the distance is the Nelson Column.] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Valentine & Sons, Dundee._ PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH, IN 1897. The Scott Monument was erected in 1840-1844 from designs by George Kemp; the statue is by Steele. Between it and the Castle are seen the Royal Institution (built in 1836) and the National Gallery (1850-1858).] [Sidenote: The Zulu War.] [Sidenote: Disaster of Isandhlana.]