The history of and secret spots in London’s beautiful parks and gardens
In Barking you can find the remains of one of Anglo-Saxon England’s most significant buildings, but one that has been largely forgotten: Barking Abbey. It is one of the oldest Christian sites in the country and has played host to both Kings and Saints. If you find yourself in Barking, it is worth paying a […]
The Ruins Of An Anglo-Saxon Abbey In Barking Read More »
London has such a rich and layered history. Walking its streets you will sometimes see things that seem totally incongruous with their surroundings: little slices of history cut adrift from their era and anchored in the present, for example a section of Roman wall in a car-park perhaps or a 19th century Queen’s bath in
A Georgian Gem Hidden In A Clapham Council Estate Read More »
Walking along Copenhagen Road, look for the entrance to a little park called Edward Square. It has an interesting origin story itself but also contains an inspiring artwork. Edward Square Edward Square was built in 1853 as a square of houses around an enclosed garden. The garden was opened to the public in 1888 as
Edward Square: An Islington Pocket Park With An Inspiring Mural Read More »
Hyde Park hides a secret. Out of sight and, not ordinarily open to the public, is a cemetery. The headstones however are tiny and you will see names such as ‘Darling Fluff’, ‘Jack the Dandy’, ‘Chim-Chim’ and ‘Bijou’. This is not ordinary cemetery, it is a pet cemetery. I was shown this fascinating and rather
Hyde Park’s Hidden Victorian Pet Cemetery Read More »
In the far North West corner of Kensington Gardens you’ll find a gnarled tree trunk, protected by a metal mesh cage. Get a little bit closer and you will see that, sequestered in all the twists, hollows, nooks and crannies of the wood, are an array of tiny carved, mythical figures. This unusual display is
An Ancient Tree Trunk In Kensington Gardens With A Magical Surprise Read More »