Victoria Park, Public park in East London, England
Victoria Park is a public park in East London with two lakes, manicured lawns, and mature trees crossed by wide pathways. The grounds include tennis courts, cricket pitches, playgrounds, and several historical monuments scattered throughout the site.
The park opened in 1845 following a petition from East End workers addressed to Queen Victoria. Sir James Pennethorne designed the grounds as the first public park in London meant to provide recreation for factory workers.
The two stone alcoves from the old London Bridge now stand beside the lake and serve as passageways for walkers. The Burdett-Coutts Fountain from Victorian times often draws photographers who capture its Gothic design.
Entrances are located on all four sides of the park, with main gates on Grove Road and Old Ford Road. Two cafes offer drinks and snacks throughout the day, while restrooms are available at several points across the grounds.
During the Second World War, the grounds transformed into an anti-aircraft site with gun emplacements defending London from German bombers. The scars of this use are barely visible today, but old maps show the positions of military installations around both lakes.
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