Category Archives: Greenwich

Charlton House & its Peace Garden

17 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Family Activities, Free Activities, Gardens, Greenwich, Historic Buildings, Parks

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Charlton house exteriorLocated just south of Greenwich, Charlton House is a magnificent example of Jacobean architecture in the UK, and certainly one of the best in London.   While the majority of the house is not open to the public, the gardens are.  Within these gardens is the walled ‘Peace Garden’ - opened in 2006 in support of Amnesty International’s ‘Stop the Violence Against Women’ campaign.

charlton house old gateway

History:  This Grade I listed house was built between 1607 and 1612 for Sir Adam Newton, Dean of Durham and tutor to Prince Henry Frederick Stuart, heir to the throne, and son of King James I (VI in Scotland). Note: Henry died at 18 and his brother, Charles, claimed the throne as Charles I.  Because the Jacobean period only extended from 1567 to 1625 there are not many significant examples of this architectural period remaining.

While a wing was added to the house in the late 1800s much of it is original, with many features connecting the property to the Jacobean monarchy - including insignia, initials and motifs relating to the Prince and King James.

Over the years the property changed hands and roles many times.  It served as a hospital during WW I and ownership transferred to the local Council after that war. In WW II bombs damaged the chapel wing, which was unfortunately rebuilt with the incorrect bricks.  Since then the building has housed a museum, and now a community centre and library.

charlton house central hall

Interior:  The entrance hall has been restored and now houses a small cafe.  There is also a small exhibition room detailing the history of the house.  Original features within the house include  fireplaces, ceilings, doors and the main staircase.

Today:  As a Council owned property it is used by numerous community groups. It is possible to arrange guided tours, but if you visit during the week, the cafe is open which allows you to view some of the interior and the exhibition area (open 8:30-6pm Mon-Fri).

Charlton house peace garden

The Peace Garden:  The Walled and Sensory gardens are relatively newly planted and are open year round.  One of these walled gardens was opened in 2006 as a ‘Peace Garden’ in support of two major programs supported by Amnesty International - the campaign to stop violence against women and to control arms.  This garden has a central sculpture and offers a quiet place for contemplation.   Designed by Andrew Fisher-Tomlin, the garden contains a sculpture by Margaret Higginson, titled ‘Portage’, and a Japanese Peace pole donated from an artist in Tokyo, along with numerous plantings.

Portage statue

The sculpture is of a woman carrying a boat above her head, and is designed to portray the strength and spirit of women worldwide as it portrays how indigenous women travelled between the lakes of Canada.  The peace pole has the quote “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in both English and Japanese.

The Peace Garden is open daily from 10-5pm, or dusk when earlier.  

Located at: Charlton Road, SE7 8RE

Closest Transit:  Charlton Stn (rail - from Cannon St) or North Greenwich (tube) then the 486 Bus

St. Alfege, Greenwich ~ a rare Hawksmoor Church.

30 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by in Churches, Free Activities, Greenwich, Historic Buildings

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Nicholas Hawksmoor is one of Britain’s most famous architects.  He started work as a clerk for Sir Christopher Wren at age 18.  He worked with Wren on Chelsea Hospital, Hampton Court and St. Paul’s Cathedral, among other iconic buildings.   Later he helped with, and finished, the construction of Blenheim Palace, and he also built Castle Howard.  He was commissioned to complete Kings College, Cambridge and he also designed the west towers of Westminster Abbey (completed posthumously).  It is still debatable as to how much Wren influenced Hawksmoor, or the young Hawksmoor influenced Wren.  Despite such a prolific career it is somewhat surprising that there are only 6 churches in London designed and built by him - St. Alfege’s in Greenwich is one of them and an excellent example of Baroque architecture. See another of our posts for information on Hawksmoor’s St. Mary Woolnoth: http://wp.me/p2r6no-3x

History:  Alfege (Alphege) was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1006 to 1012.  He was killed 19-April-1012 by Danish raiders who had held him captive for 7 months (the first Archbishop to be murdered).  To commemorate him a church was erected on the place of his death.  Several churches have existed on this spot - the 2nd church stood here from 1290-1710.  The current church, built by Hawksmoor began construction in 1712 and was completed in 1714.  It incorporated the medieval tower (now refaced and topped with a spire).  The church was badly damaged by incendiary bombs during WWII and was restored in 1953.

Other Interesting Facts:  2012 marked the 1000 yr anniversary of Alfege’s death - an event recognized by a pilgrimage and service by the current Archbishop of Canterbury.  King Henry VIII was baptized here in 1491.   The organ console from 1552 is still viewable. General Wolfe, famous for his defeat of the French at Quebec City in 1759 but who died in combat in Canada, is buried here. In fiction, Charles Dicken’s novel Our Mutual Friend a wedding occurs here. The church is located within the Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visiting:  The church is generally open Mon-Fri 11-4 (2pm on Thur), Sat 10-4, and Sun 12-4.  Informationl panels throughout the church provide details on its history.  Guided tours can be arranged through the church office.  There are services throughout the week.  Visit their website for details: http://st-alfege.org/

Located at:  Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ

Closest Transit:  Cutty Sark Station (DLR) or Greenwich Pier.

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