Wakefield Gardens

The Tower of London dominates the view from Wakefield Gardens. This ancient fortress stands close to the remains of the 2nd century Roman Wall of the City of London (to the left)

William The Conqueror built the White Tower here at a strategic position on the River Thames. It was completed in 1078. Further fortifications were added in the 13th century to complete a site of 18 acres. Within its walls is the prison which Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey were held, before being executed. Henry VI was murdered here in 1471, and the two little princes (Edward V and Richard, Duke of York) were disposed of in 1483. As a princess, Queen Elizabeth was imprisoned here for eight weeks in 1554. The Tower of London is also the home of the Crown jewels, and contains a fine collection of historic armour.

This historic landscape also includes a number of commercial buildings, and All Hallows by the Tower (rebuilt after the Second World War) with the oldest foundations of any church in the city. On the right stands trinity House, which was founded to light and buoy the coast, and was granted a charter by Henry VIII in 1514

This Tower Hill improvement Trust was first a Fund established in 1934 to improve and preserve the space around HM Tower of London. During the 19th century, this area became greatly neglected and views of The Tower were obstructed by unsightly buildings and warehouses. The Trust purchased and demolished these buildings so that the "ancient pleasance" of Tower Hill could be returned to its citizen. This, and the Trust’s charitable work continue today.

Unveiled by

HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
30th April 2002

This panel has been updated to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002

[List of buildings and view]

The Jubilee Walkway symbol
Jubilee Walkway route map
The Jubilee Walkway, designed and administered by a special Trust, was established to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1977. It encircles the centre of London, embracing many historic buildings and views. It is approximately 14 miles (22.4 km) in length.

Follow the Jubilee Walkway on foot using the circular walkway plates embedded in the ground around London.

For a copy of the map and further information www.jubileewalkway.com


P. T. Nicholls Dip Arch RIBA, Design Research Unit, London SE1 8UE: www.dru.co.uk

Part of the Jubilee Walkway, a walking route established in 1977 to mark the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

The view from the place including the Tower of London was taken on the same day Click for a larger image
The new buildings indicated on the sign were photographed on the same day Click for a larger image

In the following pictures, the parts of the sign are enlarged
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The website address shown on the sign is not active.