Christchurch Gardens, Blackfriars London

Around the leaning listed drinking fountain benches form a question mark, curving around the monument and marking the edge of the herb garden, encouraging people to sit close to the herbs.

A plaque at the foot of the paved cross explains its significance: ‘On 17 April 1941 Christchurch was set on fire by enemy action and the church cross fell in flames on this spot. These stones mark where the grass was scorched by the burning cross.’

Forgiving without forgetting, this space has now become a vibrant poetic green oasis in the surrounding hectic city: to enter it is to be part of a mutilayered history and changing living community, where everyday life is elevated to performance art. Open all year round and free. 5 minutes walk east from Waterloo Station. 3 minutes walk west from Tate Modern. 2 minutes south of Blackfriars Bridge.

Map of site

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