Victoria Embankment

Victoria Embankment

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Posted 2021-08-30 by Mike Whytefollow


If you've ever been in Central London and found yourself at Embankment station, readying yourself for the trudge uphill towards Charing Cross Station, and beyond it, the Strand - you may notice something on your right-hand side. Just before the rather magnificent Gordon's wine bar, you'll find the attractive Embankment Gardens.

It is worth having a look inside, as this is no ordinary garden. In fact, if you walk directly into the garden and stand in front of the archway, you may be surprised to note that only around 200 years before, you would be floating in the River Thames.

You see, the arch that you see is not an arch at all. In fact, it is actually a gate, the York Water Gate to be precise, and it stands here as a reminder of how much the River Thames has changed. Looking at the archway, you can see steps that lead into the Arch, before passing through to dry land. What is important to note is that the Strand was once home to mansions, whose back gardens faced directly onto the River Thames. This particular entrance was supposed to have belonged to the Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, as a spectacular entrance into their home.

The interesting thing these days is actually how lost it appears now - sitting nearly 150 metres from the edge of the riverbank, thanks to the construction of what we now know as Thames Embankment.

Besides the amazing gate, you will find the rest of the gardens fairly pleasant, especially in the summer, when a stage is set up and music, comedy and theatre is performed in the cosy space.



#attractions
#charing_cross
#gardens
#outdoor
#parks
#things_to_see
#tourist_sites
%wnlondon
66517 - 2023-01-20 02:13:26

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