City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Duck Island Cottage

Swiss Chalet for a British Bird-Keeper

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 13, 2017

1. Duck Island Cottage Marker

Inscription. This pretty cottage was built in 1841 as the home of the bird-keeper in St. James's Park. It also had a club room for the Ornithological Society of London, which once helped to look after the park's duck and geese.

The design, like a Swiss chalet, was intended to be a contrast to the grand architecture of government buildings nearby.

The cottage has been altered several times and its use has also changed. It was a store for bicycles confiscated in the park but it is now used as offices.

Erected by The Royal Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 51° 30.18′ N, 0° 7.79′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. Marker is on Horse Guards Road, 0.3 kilometers south of The Mall, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 69 Horse Guards Road, City of Westminster, England SW1A, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bali Bombings Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pelicans of St Jame's Park (within shouting distance of this marker); For His Majesty's Pleasure (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Horse Guards Parade

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(about 150 meters away); Guards Division Memorial (about 150 meters away); The Cádiz Memorial (about 210 meters away); Richard Savage (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); The Beaverbrook Foundation (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Also see . . . Duck Island Cottage (London Gardens Trust). "Duck Island Cottage, the picturesque lodge which serves as the offices of the London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust in St James's Park, is aptly named - it occupies a site which has long been the haunt of these aquatic birds. Birds of various kinds have been kept here since 1612, when James I began converting the swampy chase of the Tudor monarchs into a formal garden. Here, along what is now Birdcage Walk, an aviary was established and waterfowl, both native and foreign, found refuge in the park despite the presence, elsewhere in the gardens, of two crocodiles." (Submitted on November 16, 2017.)

Duck Island Cottage and Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 13, 2017

2. Duck Island Cottage and Marker - Wide View

<i>St. James's Park, London.</i> - View of Duck Island Cottage image. Click for full size.

Postcard published by Shurey's Publications, circa 1905

3. St. James's Park, London. - View of Duck Island Cottage

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.