King Edward V11 and East London

King Edward V11th came to the Throne late in life, he reigned for a short time from 1901-1910, and little is known about his accomplishments these days.

He, like many other Royal personages, found the people of East London welcoming and hospitable and regarded them with special affection.

He was known to be concerned for the plight of the poor, and felt that something should be done for them and East London, Just before he died he expressed the wish that a Park on the Thames be provided for them.

Several years elapsed after his death and the 'The Great War' intervened, so it was not until 1922 that King George Vth was able to fulfil Edward V11s wish, a Memorial Park was inaugurated in Shadwell by the Thames where the old fish Market had stood.

A granite and marble Memorial of King Edward V11 was placed at the head of the park, its plaque clearly inscribed with the following:

"IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF KING EDWARD THE SEVENTH THIS PARK IS DEDICATED TO THE USE AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF EAST LONDON FOR EVER"

Re-naming 'King Edward V11 Memorial Park' to 'King edward V11 People's Park' has its critics, but it would certainly help to preserve and enhance its heritage by clarifying to visitors, as well as locals, that this Park was uniquely given by the King to the people of East London for their enjoyment forever, and therefore represents the Olympic Spirit of today.

Is this an idea of its time helping to preserve and enhance important local heritage? We hope that Royalty might take the view that it is, and that a name-change might be favourably considered, thereby not ruling out a re-inauguration ceremony for this Park in the not too distant future.