Thirty-two houses. That’s how many overlook Merrick Square’s private garden. Imagine the lives lived within those walls. Merrick Square in Newington London is more than just a pretty face. It’s a living testament to London’s history. A history woven into the very bricks and iron railings that surround its tranquil heart.
This charming square didn’t spring up overnight. It’s a product of a 17th-century bequest by Christopher Merrick. A London merchant. He left land to the Trinity House Corporation. The Corporation later built homes around a central garden. They created Merrick Square as we see it today.
Construction spanned from 1853 to 1872. Cooper and Bottomley of Old Kent Road built the houses. They are still standing. A testament to their craftsmanship. The original 19th-century cast-iron railings still enclose the private garden. They are a beautiful feature of Merrick Square.
But Merrick Square holds secrets. Did you know that Alfred Mynn a famous cricketer died at 22 Merrick Square in 1861? He passed away at his brother’s house. The quiet garden square witnessed a moment of sadness. A loss to the cricket world.
Tucked away between numbers 16 and 17 sits Holy Trinity’s rectory. It was built in 1872. It housed the rector of Holy Trinity Church. Later it served St Matthew’s Church. After St Matthew’s was rebuilt in 1994. the rectory was repurchased by Trinity House. Today Great St Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate uses it. This building has a fascinating history.
Take a moment to breathe in the atmosphere of Merrick Square. Picture the children playing in the garden. Imagine the residents chatting over garden walls. It is a hidden gem. A peaceful haven in the bustling city. Today Merrick Square remains a collection of individual houses. It is a peaceful community in the heart of London. It reminds us of London’s rich and layered past.