finding new spaces

Unlike the tidy grids of New York, the streets of central London wander around oddly shaped properties, cross themselves, and split off in small paths that may lead to a dead end. Walkers in a hurry usually stick to their prepared routes or rely on map apps to keep from getting lost.

But if you have the time, stepping off the straight path can lead to new discoveries. Due to walking a lot more often this year than last, I've discovered three new parks just a turn away from my usual routes.

Wilmington Square Gardens

Wilmington Square Gardens near Mount Pleasant is a little square in a residential area laid out by architect John Wilson in the 1820s. It was originally part of the Spa Fields Estates, property of the Marquess of Northampton.

The stone drinking fountain was donated by civil engineer Charles Clement Walker in memory of his mother Agnes who had lived in the neighbourhood.

The late 19th-century pavilion, conifer trees and flower beds, and park seating were all installed when the Marquess presented the gardens to the Finsbury Vestry (the local Islington parish area) in 1886.

St. Swithin's Church Gardens

Just off Cannon Street in the busy financial district is a very secret, very secluded little garden at the end of a tiny alley. This is the former churchyard of St. Swithin, London Stone. The church itself is long gone, with even the building that replaced it now demolished and replaced by modern commercial structures.

The churchyard is surrounded on all sides by high office buildings, sealing off most sounds from the busy streets nearby. It doesn't get much direct sunlight in winter, but it's a quiet rest spot for office workers and city walkers.

Catrin's memorial, designed by Nic Stradlyn-John 
and sculpted by Richard Renshaw.

Besides its seclusion and beautiful stone gateway, the garden's other distinguishing feature is a monument to the ancient Welsh princess Catrin ferch Owain Glyndwr, daughter of Owain ap Gruffydd - the last true Welshman to hold the title of Prince of Wales.

Gray's Inn Gardens

In the law districts of Gray's Inn and Holborn, the historic Elizabethan landmark of Gray's Inn Gardens known as "The Walks" provide rest and a beautiful view for many of London's lawyers in training.

The Walks were designed and laid out by Francis Bacon himself in 1608 and reflect his philosophy of a well-ordered mind. Their symmetrical layout and green vistas are a pleasure to eyes exhausted by the busy streets of Holborn.

The Gardens were closed for a long time during the pandemic, only reopening again earlier this year.

Some of the trees here are hundreds of years old, including this twisted catalpa which was likely an Eastern import in the 17th or 18th century.

Most of the buildings surrounding the park are just as historic. Queen Elizabeth - the first one - was a patron of the Inn, and Charles Dickens worked here as a junior clerk.

There have been changes since those days: more buildings, less green - but wonder | wander | women will never get tired of treading paths where others have walked for centuries. May we continue to enjoy these historic treasures for centuries more.