Goldsmith's Garden: Its Unique Appeal Makes It a Must-Visit Destination During Lunch Hours
In the heart of the City of London, nestled amongst towering buildings, lies a tranquil oasis known as the Goldsmith's Garden. This hidden gem has become a beloved destination for Lunchtime Tourists, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's bustle.
The Goldsmith's Garden, located opposite Goldsmith's Hall, is one of the City's finest pocket parks. Its history is as rich as its natural beauty, with centuries-old London plane trees providing a living delight. The garden, originally a churchyard, was raised by centuries of death, and today, it stands at street level on Gresham Street, a location it held in 1666, the year the Great Fire razed this and 86 other City churches.
The garden is home to a unique bee hotel for solitary nesters in its Northeast corner. Instead of hives, solitary City bees look for quiet temporary homes. One such temporary home can be found in the boutique Bee Hotel, a creation made of bamboo sticks and moss. The bees, part of 170 London species, do not live in hives but prefer such classy locations to nest and lay eggs, shunning the popular Bee Benidorm.
The garden's most iconic feature is the leopard's head above the iron arch, a symbol of quality assurance. Known in medieval times as the King's mark, it is believed to be the world's first brand. The leopard symbolizes excellence and was introduced in 1300 by King Edward I. This leopard's head is a testament to the garden's historical significance, reflecting its role as the original mark of the Goldsmith's Company, which still has an Honours Board for a garden that regularly tops award lists.
The garden also boasts the "Three Printers" statue by Wilfred Dudeney, depicting a newsboy, a printer, and an editor, in the Southeast corner. This statue was originally commissioned by Westminster Press but was relocated after redevelopment.
The Goldsmith's Garden is a shining example of London's blend of history, nature, and community spirit. It is one of the many hidden gems that the Toast the City awards celebrate, honoring the city's green spaces, their beauty, historical significance, and popularity among locals and visitors alike. The Toast the City awards are currently accepting nominations for these cherished green escapes. To nominate your favourite London green space, visit the nominations page here.
References: [1] Time Out London. (n.d.). Wanstead Park and Flats. Retrieved from https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/wanstead-park-and-flats [2] Chelsea Physic Garden. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/history [3] Green Park. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park/history [4] Royal Parks. (n.d.). Kensington Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/history
The Goldsmith's Garden, home to the "Three Printers" statue, also provides a peaceful habitat for solitary City bees in its boutique Bee Hotel, showcasing the harmonious blend of home-and-garden and gardening within this historic pocket park. This hidden gem, with its rich history and iconic leopard's head symbol, is a living testament to the Goldsmith's Company's legacy, making it a popular choice for the Toast the City awards, which highlight London's prized green spaces that reflect the city's unique lifestyle, history, and community spirit.
