Meath Gardens

Meath Gardens is a large park[1] in Globe Town.[2]

History

The land around here was first purchased in 1840 by Charles Salisbury Butler, a Member of Parliament for Tower Hamlets (1852-1868). Butler sold the land for the purposes of establishing a privately-run cemetery.  Victoria Park Cemetery when it was opened in 1846, was initially well managed. However, the cemetery, which was never consecrated, soon developed a reputation for being amongst the worst of the East End private cemeteries.[3]

Meath Gardens was created out of the former Victoria Park Cemetery and was opened to the public in 1895. However the space became neglected and many trees were cut down with each new housing development.[4]

A new children centre inside Meath Gardens Children's Centre was opened on the July 14, 2011 by then Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman.[5]

In 2017, following concern about the loss of rendering from the entrance arch to the park, the parks team has worked with officers from across the council and the Friends of Meath Gardens to restore the arch. Restoration work has now been completed.[6]

Over 100 people gathered in Meath Gardens in 2018 to commemorate the death of legendary indigenous Australian Cricketer Bripumyarrimin (also known as King Cole) who was laid to rest 150 years ago in Victoria Park Cemetery which became Meath Gardens. Bripumyarrimin/King Cole was a member of Aboriginal XI who were the first organised Australian sports team to tour overseas in 1868. King Cole fell ill during the tour and died in June. He was laid to rest in Victoria Park Cemetery which became Meath Gardens. The event on Wednesday 6th June was a result of the partnership between Friends of Meath Gardens, London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Cricket Australia.[7]

More information here.