The lake in Southwark Park

Image: © Marathon Taken: 14 Oct 2011

Southwark Park was opened to the public on 19th June 1869. Its design was based on an original map produced by the Superintendent Architect Mr Vulliamy, and Alexander Mckenzie. The original intention was for part of the park to be used as building plots but the Vestry of Bermondsey opposed this. By 1883 the Rotherhithe Vestry was calling upon the Metropolitan Board of Works for the provision of an ornamental lake. On 18th August 1885 a lake filling ceremony was held and on the following Saturday notice was given that a pair of swans "graciously provided" by Queen Victoria, along with other donated waterfowl would be placed upon the water. Crowds lined the lake to witness this royal gift. However, the Royal Swan Keeper was ill so the event happened rather more quietly a few days later when Joe and Jenny, as the swans were subsequently called, took up residence on the lake. The lake was extended in 1908, downsized in the 1930s, 1970s and 1980s, but by 2002 had been restored to its original 1908 size.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0