This is the last part of my trip away to Limehouse. Coming home on the Friday I decided to fit in another short walk. Having looked at a map of what’s nearby on my journey home, I found two gardens near Aldgate East tube station that might be worth a look. Unfortunately, one of the gardens (Four Seasons) was closed as the trees were being lopped. I had a look through the railings and it did look good, but that will have to be a visit another time.
Whitechapel and Aldgate were known as the silk quarter of London. Sadly, when you Google ‘silk quarter’ now you get a lot of companies advertising their new developments. The whole area is a mass of new high-rise apartments and squares. Finding historical facts was low down on the list for searches. However, I did find a survey you might be interested in reading. It’s quite long, but informative. I also found directions for a walk in the area.
The two gardens I was trying to see are part of the new developments in Algate, but I can see this is a place worth another visit sometime. This was very much a quick visit. For those who would like an idea of where I walking here is a map https://www.google.com/maps/place/Charles+Kinloch+%26+Co+Limited/@51.5132131,-0.0672128,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48760334e468dd4f:0x31acb9c66786804d!8m2!3d51.5132131!4d-0.0672128!16s%2Fg%2F11jm0p6t60
I was walking in road mainly off Leman Street.
Chaucer Gardens are off Alie Street and is a quiet oasis in the bustle of London, though surrounded by tall buildings.
There is so much more to see, I feel. If I’d I had more time, I’d have got off the tube at Whitechapel and walked from there. Next time! The back roads were interesting with old buildings, a hint of what used to be there. I found a wonderful cafe cum shop off one of the main roads for a hot chocolate and comfort break. Maybe next time the Four Seasons gardens will be open too.
Have a read of this article about Browne & Eagle Ltd.
My London+ 