St Katharine's & Wapping in Tower Hamlets in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Wakefield Gardens
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 11, 2026
1. Wakefield Gardens Marker
A close-up of the introductory text of the marker.
Wakefield Gardens
The Tower of London dominates the view from Wakefield Gardens. This ancient fortress stands close to the remains of the 2nd century Roman Wall of the City of London (to the left).
William The Conqueror built the White Tower here at a strategic position on the River Thames. It was completed in 1078. Further fortifications were added in the 13th century to complete a site of 18 acres. Within its walls is the prison in which Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey were held, before being executed. Henry VI was murdered here in 1471, and the two little princes (Edward V and Richard, Duke of York) were disposed of in 1483. As a princess, Queen Elizabeth I was imprisoned here for eight weeks in 1554. The Tower of London is also the home of the Crown Jewels, and contains a fine collection of historic armour.
This historic landscape also includes a number of commercial buildings, and All Hallows-by-the-Tower (rebuilt after the Second World War) with the oldest foundations of any church in the City. On the right stands Trinity House, which was founded to light and buoy the coast, and was granted a charter
this page online
The Tower Hill Improvement Trust was first a fund established in 1934 to improve and preserve the space around HM Tower of London. During the 19th century, this area became greatly neglected and views of The Tower were obstructed by unsightly buildings and warehouses. The Trust purchased and demolished these buildings so that the “ancient pleasance” of Tower Hill could be returned to its citizens. This, and the Trust’s charitable work continue today.
Unveiled by
HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
30th April 2002
This panel has been updated to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002
R. T. Nicholls Dip Arch RIBA, Design Research Unit, London SE1 8UE. www.dru.co.uk
Erected 2002 by Tower Hill Improvement Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 51° 30.587′ N, 0° 4.594′ W. Marker is in Tower Hamlets, England, in Greater London. It is in St Katharine's & Wapping. It can be reached from Tower Hill west of Trinity Square, on the left when traveling
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz
2. Wakefield Gardens Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Place of Execution (here, next to this marker); The Tower Liberty (a few steps from this marker); The Origins of the Tower (a few steps from this marker); London Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trinity House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Trinity House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tower Hill Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Trinity House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tower Hamlets.
Other markers no longer
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 11, 2026
3. Wakefield Gardens Marker
The marker, and Wakefield Gardens, overlook the Tower of London.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
