Victoria’s Post-WWII Garden
In a quiet part of Victoria, nestled close to St. James’s Park Station, there exists a tranquil haven, largely unexplored by the throngs of tourists that flock to the city’s iconic landmarks.
This overlooked gem is a post-World War II garden, lovingly preserved since the 1950s. While its peaceful exterior may deceive passersby, this garden is steeped in history, from its roots in the 13th century to its connection to Westminster Abbey and even the suffragette movement.
A Sacred Ground of Reflection and Resilience
Centuries ago, this area was a part of the burial ground for St. Margaret’s Church, standing in the shadow of Westminster Abbey. Its historical significance is profound, having witnessed moments that shaped the course of London’s history.
During the Great Plague of 1665, it reportedly contained a plague pit, a grim reminder of the city’s tumultuous past.
One of the most poignant remnants of this history is a weathered tombstone from the 1800s, dedicated to Mary White and her seven children who tragically died in infancy, alongside her son who perished in battle. It serves as a tangible link to the generations that once lived and thrived in this area.
A Final Resting Place for the Extraordinary
Over the years, this unassuming garden has become the eternal home of remarkable individuals. Among them is Ignatius Sancho, a former child slave who made history by becoming the first African to vote in a British election. Beyond his groundbreaking political achievements, Sancho was a polymath, composer, writer, and painter.
Colonel Thomas Blood, a famous conman who notoriously attempted to steal the Crown Jewels, also found his resting place here. His story is as intriguing as it is audacious, with the additional curiosity of being exhumed, as suspicions arose that he had faked his own death – it turned out he hadn’t.
A Place of Memorial and Commemoration
Within this serene space, three memorials stand as testaments to the garden’s enduring role in remembrance. The 2013 memorial to Victims of Violence occupies an area intended for quiet contemplation, honouring those who have suffered due to acts of violence.
A striking bronze statue, unveiled in 1995 by Princess Margaret, pays tribute to one of England’s greatest composers, Henry Purcell.
Known for his exuberant compositions, the statue, aptly titled “Flowering of English Baroque,” captures his spirit with a cascade of flowers replacing his hair, which could symbolize musical notes soaring from his head.
The garden also houses the 1970 Suffrage Sculpture, a fibreglass-coated bronze structure in the shape of the letter ‘S.’ Designed by Lorne McKean and Edwin Russell, this sculpture commemorates the suffragette movement. The relief renderings of the suffragette’s ‘prison badge’ adorn the front and back of the sculpture, symbolizing their unyielding spirit and determination.
This symbolic location near Caxton Hall, where the Suffragettes held their “Women’s Parliament,” adds historical depth to its significance.
A Subtle Nod to the Past
As you journey toward Caxton Hall, take a moment to observe the paving stones beneath your feet. These meticulously arranged York stone and granite slabs hint at the garden’s former purpose. Shaped like coffins, they silently speak to the history that lies beneath the surface and the resilience of a community that has thrived through the ages.
This garden is more than just a tranquil green space; it’s a living museum of London’s rich and diverse history.
Here, the past lives on, waiting to be uncovered by those willing to explore beyond the tourist hotspots, inviting them to pause, reflect, and connect with the extraordinary stories and moments that have shaped this vibrant city.
Would you like to know the name of this garden, and discover much more about Victoria?
Come join us on a walking tour of ‘Victoria as you have never seen it!’
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Susan
