Postman's Park
- 27 February 2010 16:2141480Earlier today I paid a visit to Postman's Park, a small green space which is tucked away to the north of St Paul's Cathedral. Under the sheltered area is a wall commemorating ordinary people who lost their lives whilst trying to save others. In 1887 painter G F Watts (1817-1904), wrote to The Times proposing a project to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee of that year. He believed that stories of heroism were uplifting and should therefore be commemorated. His idea was not taken up so he created the memorial himself in the form of a 50ft long open gallery situated in the public gardens on the site of the former churchyard of St Botolph, Aldersgate. On the southern boundary was the Post Office and many postmen spent their breaks there, hence the name by which it became known. Along the walls of the gallery Watts placed tablets of Doulton tile, each describing the acts of bravery that resulted in the loss of the hero or heroine's life and celebrates people who would perhaps otherwise have been forgotten.
Some of the inscriptions include:
Henry James Bristow aged eight - at Walthamstow on December 30 1890 - saved his little sister's life by tearing off her flaming clothes but caught fire himself and died of burns and shock.
Mary Rogers, stewardess of the Stella, Mar 30 1899. Self sacrificed by giving up her life belt and voluntarily going down with the sinking ship.
William Drake, lost his life in averting a serious accident to a lady in Hyde Park April 2 1869 whose horses were unmanageable through the breaking of the carriage pole.
John Clinton aged 10 who was drowned near London Bridge in trying to save a companion younger than himself. July 16 1894.
Joseph Andrew Ford aged 30, Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Saved six persons from a fire in Gray's Inn Road but in his last heroic act he was scorched to death. Oct 7 1871.
Thomas Griffin, fitter's labourer April 12 1899. In a boiler explosion at a Battersea sugar refinery was fatally scalded in returning to search for his mate.
- 27 February 2010 16:3541482Facinating reading there Jeane, and I always find much of Victorian times interesting. I`ve never heard of the above place before, but must have been near it a few times. I suppose with so much in and around the capital, much gets missed. P.S. Hope you`re over your cold/flu. Mine went 3 weeks ago thank goodness. Spring almost here.Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
- 27 February 2010 17:2541487Fascinating.
I couldn't work out where I'd seen it before but a quick wiki search tells me that it's used as a location in the film Closer (2004).
Loads of other interesting stuff therein.
e.g. Losing ones life trying to save a colleague at the East Ham Sewage Works does not bear thinking about!
I really must go and have a look next time I'm forced into London. - 27 February 2010 19:3141497Colin I agree, the Victorians were fascinating. Thanks yes I am over the worst of the swine flu, looking forward to the four weeks of tiredness - not!!
Yes Bob it's sort of off the beaten track and doesn't get mentioned much for such an interesting place hence the post. I didn't realise it was used in Closer either. - 28 February 2010 04:1841525This is a fascinating spot to visit, I spent many a happy lunch hour there and my office in Gresham Street looked directly over to it on the Albermarle side.
I especially remember the Nomura bank taking over the old postal building next to it and ripping out it's innards, happily the frontage was aved and they built in extra floors and a higher roof, along with the repair of Postman's park (which was getting rather tired).
The plaques are stark and full of heroisimand drama - so pleased that it is still standing, especially with all the 'monstrous carbuncles' that sprang up in the 60s.
Museum of London is also worth a visit just along the road and you also have many churches to gain a breather from the hectic city life.
Can't say I miss London, but gems like the park make up for all the other mess.
I also liked wandering round places like 'Paper Buildings' etc where all the Barristers chambers are and of course Lincolns Inn where I managed to see a lot of filming for 'Bleak House' back in the late 80s - quite a shock to turn a corner late one evening and find vintage lawyer etc wandering about in full regalia - happy days.
Pleased to hear you are inproving Jeane.Oh Boy!, That'll be the day......... - 28 February 2010 08:5341528Thanks Jeane - what a wonderful thing to do, so glad it's still there.
Working in the City for 24 years but I never heard of it.
You must have had a gig last night Buddy, by the timing of your posting, or couldn't you sleep because it was such a balmy night ?
Roger - 28 February 2010 09:3041530Buddy we also went to the Museum of London, they are doing parts of it up but it was very enjoyable. I have been there before but not for several years. I can highly recommend the date and banana cake in the café!
I enjoy looking at places that are not as well know - London's hidden gems (most of which I'm ashamed to say I didn't see until I left London!)
Yes Roger, I wish there were more places like it. - 28 February 2010 13:1241556Jeane
I spent many hours there in my younger days. In the 80s I used to live in The Barbican YMCA and Postman's Park was an oasis of calm in the hurly burly of the City. Happy days..........True friends stab you in the front. - 28 February 2010 13:3541560Aww that's lovely Andy.
Hope you are doing ok.
