Ever wondered about this tranquil park’s secret? This is East Greenwich Pleasaunce. It is more than just a green space. The East Greenwich Pleasaunce is a place of history and reflection.
Originally, the East Greenwich Pleasaunce was Greenwich Hospital’s graveyard. It opened in 1857. In 1875, a railway tunnel project led to a significant relocation. Around 3,000 sailors and officers were reinterred here. They included heroes of the Battle of Trafalgar and the Crimean War. The East Greenwich Pleasaunce was named after the former Royal Palace of Placentia. It is also known as the Palace of Pleasaunce.
Among those resting here are notable figures. Lieutenant James Berry was a curator at the Royal Naval Museum. John Booth fought at Trafalgar. He later became a Greenwich Hospital in-pensioner. Surgeon John Davidson served Queen Victoria. Sir John Liddell directed the Royal Navy’s medical department. Edward Robinson, a police officer, captured Charles Peace. James Shepherd was Queen Victoria’s boatswain’s mate.
The East Greenwich Pleasaunce also holds war graves. Nineteen Commonwealth naval personnel from World War I are buried here. Two from World War II also rest here.
In 1926, the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich acquired the East Greenwich Pleasaunce. The Admiralty retained burial rights. Railings were removed. The grounds were landscaped into a park.
Today, the East Greenwich Pleasaunce offers much to visitors. There is a children’s playground installed in 2001. The Bridge serves as a community center. A cafeteria provides refreshments. A war memorial stands in remembrance.
You will notice the trees on display. Mock orange, hawthorn, and silver birch add to the beauty. Ash, variegated holly, and walnut also grow here. Poplar and weeping birch complete the scene.
East Greenwich Pleasaunce has earned the Green Flag Award. It is a dog-free zone. You can find table tennis here. The naval cemetery offers a window to the maritime past. A plaque marks the reinterred remains.
So take a moment to appreciate the East Greenwich Pleasaunce. It is a blend of nature, history, and community. It is a reminder of those who served. It is a peaceful retreat in bustling London.