The Chinese Pagoda, Victoria Park
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| Original Chinese Pagoda |
What's a Chinese Pagoda doing in Victoria Park? Well it's certainly not a silly question!
China opened to the west during Queen Victoria's reign and in 1842 the original Chinese Pagoda was built as an entrance to the Chinese Exhibit in the London Parks.
After the exhibition, the Pagoda was purchased for display in Victoria Park. The two story Pagoda stood on an island in the center of one of the parks lakes but suffered considerable damage during World War II. Over the years it fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 1956.
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| The Real Life Restoration |
In 2010 the Borough was awarded a £4.5m grant towards a programme of major improvements to Victoria Park. The funds were used to restore the landscape and a new Pagoda was introduced.
The new Pagoda is built on the original location in Victoria Park and features a new bridge. The Pagoda and newley restored features of the Park were a backdrop to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
In honour of this historic building, London City is proud to display the Chinese Pagoda in Victoria Park. Situated amongst the lush landscape and fragrant flowers, the Chinese Pagoda is a lovely spot to meditate, or relax and enjoy the ambient surroundings. When in London City Victoria, be sure to stop by this not so well know bit of London Heritage.
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| The Chinese Pagoda on Display in London City's Victoria Park |
1 comment:
As a child growing up in Bethnal Green I remember the original Pagoda well and and the fascination as my imagination ran wild, oh those halcyon days.
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