Postman’s Park in London

Postman’s Park in London is small outdoor space that is devoted to remembering the heroic acts of U.K. citizens who gave their lives to save others.  This little oasis of courage and optimism is located in heart of the London financial district.

It is called Postman’s park as it used to be the hangout of Postman who took their breaks from the General Post Office.  The General Post Office is located on the south side of the garden.

It was the idea of George Frederic Watts, the son of a poor piano player, to create the garden. He wanted to honor the true heros of society. He did not think the members of London High Society were so brave.  He twoce refused the offer to be a banronetcy.

The garden debuted on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. When he suggested a memorial to commerate every day unsung heroes local authorities refused him.  Watts created it anyway. Thirteen tiles were laid during his lifetime and a furhter thrity were laid by his wife, mary after his death.

The inscriptions commeorate thoses who lost their lives in drowning or fires. Most of them were children.  One details the heroics of Thomas Simpson who died of exhaustion after saving many lives from breaking ice at Highgate Ponds. Jan 25 1885.”  Another records Soloman Galaman aged 11 who dies of injureis Sept 6 1006 after saving his little brother from being run over in Commercial Street. One of the last plaques put up was dedicated to Alfred Smith, a policeman, who died saving women and girls in an East End factory bombed by German Zeppelins in the first World War in 1917.

The tiles were first made by William De Moran who was a local British potter and designer.  After his death they were produced by royal Doulton which is one of the most famous of English tablewear companies.

The park is now a small garden with benches and it also features a bronze statue of Watts.  He wears a gown and holds a scroll. Hew was a painter who was also known to give his paintings away free to local museums.

The Park is located near Little Britaina and located between St. Martin’s Le Grand and King Edward Street Gates on either end of the park have signs. It is a short stroll from St. Paul’s Cathedral.  There is a currently a total of 53 tiles in the park.