Victoria Tower Gardens South
Sightseeing attraction | London | England | United Kingdom
Victoria Tower Gardens South in London, England, is a small but significant public park that extends along the north bank of the River Thames and forms part of the larger Victoria Tower Gardens. This park is located directly south of the Palace of Westminster and borders the Victoria Tower, the tallest tower of the Parliament building after which it is named. It stretches to the Lambeth Bridge and provides a peaceful green space amidst the bustling capital. As part of the Thames Embankment, it is a historically significant site that combines nature, art, and political symbolism. The park is recognized as a Grade II* listed site and is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site area, highlighting its historical and cultural importance.
The origins of the park date back to the 1860s and 1870s when it was created as part of the Thames Embankment project under the direction of Joseph Bazalgette. This project aimed to modernize London's sewage system and narrow the Thames, creating new land. Originally occupied by docks and warehouses, the area was acquired by the government in 1867 due to a fire risk for the nearby Parliament, and later converted into a public space. The southern part of the park, known as Victoria Tower Gardens South, was expanded between 1913 and 1914, when the London County Council integrated the land between Millbank and the Thames up to the Lambeth Bridge into a garden. This expansion was part of a promise to maintain the area as a public green space and was officially opened in 1914.
The park is less a formal garden and more an open green space with a relaxed, park-like character. A tree-lined path of London plane trees lines the Thames bank, offering spectacular views of landmarks such as the Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, and Lambeth Palace on the opposite side of the river. The design was revised in 1956 to allow for a freer view of the Palace of Westminster by removing shrubs and trees and making the area more open. This adjustment emphasized the park-like character and made it an ideal spot for walks and relaxation.
A standout feature of Victoria Tower Gardens South is the monuments embodying the themes of freedom and justice. Among the most famous is Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Burghers of Calais," acquired by the British government in 1911 and installed in the park in 1915. It tells the story of six citizens during the siege of Calais in the Hundred Years' War and is a symbol of sacrifice and freedom. Another highlight is the Buxton Memorial Fountain, originally designed for Parliament Square in 1865 but moved here in 1957. This colorful, Gothic structure commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and honors the work of MP Thomas Fowell Buxton. Near the entrance stands the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the suffragette movement, unveiled in 1930 and later supplemented with reliefs honoring her daughter Christabel. These monuments give the park the nickname "Garden of Conscience."
For families, the southern area of the park offers the Horseferry Playground, an award-winning playground with a sandbox, dance bells, and a water feature recalling the history of the Thames. The name refers to a historic ferry that once operated between this point and Lambeth. The playground is a popular meeting spot for children and ensures that the park remains attractive to younger visitors. Elevated benches along the river invite visitors to linger, while hedges along Millbank Street shield from traffic noise and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Victoria Tower Gardens South is also a place for reflection and remembrance. In 2016, it was selected as the site for a planned Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre, which faced resistance, particularly from local groups like "Save Victoria Tower Gardens" and international organizations like UNESCO. Critics feared the project would overwhelm the small green space and impact historical views. After a legal battle, the planning permission was overturned in 2022, but the discussion about the park's future continues.
The maintenance of the park is in the hands of the Royal Parks, ensuring its cleanliness and accessibility. Despite its central location, it remains an oasis of tranquility, even on busy days. Some visitors have noted that the paths can become slippery in the rain, but the unique views and historical monuments more than make up for this. Victoria Tower Gardens South is a place that combines history, art, and nature, offering visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy the splendor of the Westminster area from a less crowded perspective. Whether for a short stroll, a historical exploration, or a moment of silence by the river, the park is a hidden gem in the heart of London.
