An essential part of any ‘Secret London’ tour is this unusual and touching memorial tucked away in Postman’s Park, just off King Edward Street in the City.
It was the brainchild of G F Watts, an English painter and sculptor, who came up with the idea of honouring ordinary common people who had carried out heroic deeds and tragically lost their lives in the process.
Opened in 1900, fifty three beautiful ceramic tiles are displayed along the walls of the covered external gallery, and give a brief description of the heroic deed and the people involved. Reading them you get a lump in your throat every time.
In 1972, it was Grade II listed by Historic England in order to preserve its unique character.
In 2004, the movie Closer with Jude law and Natalie Portman was filmed here. In the film, they are walking through Postman’s Park and Portman, trying to throw off the advances of Jude Law, takes on the false identity of Alice Ayres.
After G F Watts died, his wife Mary carried on his work until she eventaully lost interest and by 1931, when work ceased on the project, only 53 of the planned 120 tiles were in place.
Postman’s Park by the way, a public garden, gets its name from the fact that back in the day, the General Post Office had its headquaters here. I like the idea of lots of postmen eating their sandwiches in the park!
Why not let Black Taxi Tours of London take you on a ‘Secret London’ tour and show you unique hidden sites like Postman’s Park and others!
www.blacktaxitours.co.uk
