Wapping Gardens (Tower Hamlets)
Brief Description
Formerly known as Wapping Recreation Ground, this was one of the earliest applications under the provisions of the 'Artizans, and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act' of 1875. The gardens were formed on the site of slum clearance in 1886 and were laid by the Metropolitan Board of Works. They were opened to the public on 8th June 1891. Wapping Gardens today have a fountain and playground, with perimeter planting of shrubs and a number of fine plane trees.
Practical Information
- Previous / Other name:
- Wapping Recreation Ground
- Site location:
- Tench Street, Wapping
- Postcode:
- E1
- What 3 Words:
- vows.oiled.audit
- Type of site:
- Public Gardens
- Borough:
- Tower Hamlets
- Open to public?
- Yes
- Opening times:
- 8am - dusk
- Special conditions:
- Facilities:
- playground
- Events:
- Public transport:
- London Overground: Wapping
- Research updated:
- 01/11/2006
- Last minor changes:
- 19/07/2023
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Full Site Description
Sources consulted:
Local History Library Clippings. Bancroft Library, Clippings. Lieut.Col J J Sexby, The Municipal Parks, Gardens and Open Space of London (their History and Associations, Elliott Stock (London) 1895 (1905 edition); LB Tower Hamlets 'Wapping Pierhead Conservation Area Character Appraisal and. Management Guidelines', 2009.
Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
- Grid ref:
- TQ346802 (534698,180215)
- Size in hectares:
- 1.2734
- Site ownership:
- LB Tower Hamlets
- Site management:
- Leisure Services, Parks & Open Spaces
- Date(s):
- 1886-91
- Designer(s):
- Listed structures:
- None
- On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:
No- Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:
No- Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:
No
Local Authority Data
The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.
- On Local List:
- No
- In Conservation Area:
- Yes
- Conservation Area name:
- Wapping Pierhead
- Tree Preservation Order:
- No
- Nature Conservation Area:
- Yes - Local Importance
- Green Belt:
- No
- Metropolitan Open Land:
- No
- Special Policy Area:
- No
- Other LA designation:
- None
Photos
Wapping Gardens, with St John's Church behind, February 2000. Photo: S Williams
2000 Click a photo to enlarge.
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
