Remember King Edward VII Memorial Park. This park is more than just a green space. It is a place with a fascinating history. Opened in 1922, King Edward Memorial Park commemorates King Edward VII. King George V and Queen Mary dedicated it. Their dedication was “In grateful memory of King Edward VII. This park is dedicated to the use and enjoyment of the people of East London for ever.”
King Edward Memorial Park spans 3.3 hectares. It is Tower Hamlets’ 11th largest park. It proudly holds the Green Flag Award. This award recognizes its quality and biodiversity.
In May 1533, history unfolded near here. Sir Hugh Willoughby set sail with three ships. His mission was to find the Northeast Passage to India. A stone and plaque commemorate Willoughby’s ambitious journey.
Before King Edward Memorial Park existed, this area was quite different. The Shadwell Fish Market once stood here. It opened in 1885, but it wasn’t a success. Local children used the land for play.
George Jones described the park’s opening. He noted its immediate impact on the community. The park’s design cleverly used the land’s contours. It provided benches for senior citizens. The Thames offered a vibrant view. Wharves, cranes and ships filled the scene.
King Edward Memorial Park boasts unrestricted river views. Its amenities and biodiversity are remarkable. The park serves Shadwell, Wapping, Stepney, Ratcliff and Limehouse. It is the only riverside park between Tower Hill and the Isle of Dogs. Local schools use it for sports days. Religious festivals also take place here.
Many benches bear flowers. Trees are planted in memory of local people. King Edward Memorial Park is a place of remembrance.
The Thames Path runs through King Edward Memorial Park. It offers a scenic route for walkers. The park includes a bandstand. You can find waterfront benches, a children’s play area, and a bowling green here. There is also an all-weather football pitch and tennis courts. Wheelchair users can easily access the paths and public toilets.
The King Edward Memorial Park faced a challenge. Thames Water proposed using part of it for a sewer tunnel. This led to community opposition. Locals wanted Thames Water to build on a brownfield site instead.
In 2011, the council voted to protect King Edward Memorial Park. Jim Fitzpatrick MP also opposed the plans. He called the park one of London’s vital green lungs.
Thames Water modified its proposal. This reduced the impact on the park. They eventually received permission but agreed to improvements. These included new sports facilities and a community building. The park was also extended onto the foreshore.
Construction work continues on the Thames Tideway Tunnel project. It is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025. This work will intercept a polluting sewer overflow. It will also expand the park.
The nearest stations to King Edward Memorial Park are Wapping and Shadwell. Buses D3 and 100 also serve the park.
King Edward Memorial Park is a testament to community, history, and the enduring spirit of East London.