Victoria Park, East London

Victoria Park is a large open space that stretches out across part of the East End of London, England bordering parts of Bethnal Green, Hackney, and Bow, such as along Old Ford Road, London E3. The park is entirely within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Origins

The park was laid out by notable London planner and architect Sir James Pennethorne between 1842 and 1846. This large park is reminiscent of Regent's Park (not least because the latter was designed by Pennethorne's teacher John Nash), though much less busy, and is considered by some as the finest park in the East End. It is bounded on two sides by canals: the Regent's Canal lies to the west, while its branch, once known as the Hertford Union Canal runs along the Southern edge of the park. There is a gate named after Edmund Bonner. Guarding the main entrance at Sewardstone Road are the now badly vandalized Dogs of Alcibiades which have stood here since 1912.

Related Topics:
Architect - James Pennethorne - 1842 - 1846 - Regent's Park - John Nash - Canal - Regent's Canal - Hertford Union Canal - Edmund Bonner - Alcibiades - 1912

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Two pedestrian alcoves, the only two surviving fragments of the old London Bridge, demolished in 1831, are located at the east end of the park near the Hackney Wick war memorial where they were placed in 1860. This incarnation of the famous bridge (there have been two others since), stood for over 600 years and was lined with shops and houses. Alcoves such as these would have been important for pedestrian safety - the roadway was very narrow and the risk of being run down very high.

Related Topics:
London Bridge - 1831 - Hackney Wick - 1860

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