SALTER'S HALL GARDEN

You can't beat the history of the Square Mile, especially near the London Wall. Every nook and cranny has centuries worth of history waiting to be discovered.

Salter's Hall Garden is one of them. It's a refreshing oasis of calm near London Wall, which once housed the Roman City of Londinium.

When I worked in the Big glossy corporate world, I walked along the London Wall twice a day and, like many people, saw the road as a functional way to get from A to B.

However, I wonder how many people think about the history behind the London Wall. I didn't then, but I do now and often.

I usually walk along London with Snoopy in tow and slow down if I see something. I have numerous pictures of the London Wall, including the Remains of St Alphage.

Let me tell you a little more about Salter's Hall Garden,

Salter's Garden

Salters' Garden, located in London, is associated with Salters' Hall, the home of The Salters' Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London.

This Garden and the Hall itself are situated in the St. Alphage Garden area, near the remains of the old London Wall and St Alphage Church.

The Salters' Company, established in the 14th century, initially traded in salt but evolved to focus on philanthropy and supporting scientific research.

The company's involvement in trade and civic duties in London has a long and significant history.

Salters' Hall, the focal point of the Garden, underwent a renovation and redevelopment in recent years.

This redevelopment aimed to modernise the facilities while preserving the historic and cultural significance of the site.

The Hall, designed in a Brutalist architectural style, is a striking example of modern architecture in London.

The surrounding Garden blends this contemporary style with traditional garden elements, creating a unique urban oasis.

The Garden itself, though not as widely known as some of London's larger parks and gardens, offers a space of tranquillity amidst the bustling city. It is a fine example of how modern architecture and green spaces can coexist and enhance urban environments.

Salter's Hall

Salters' Hall is the home of The Salters' Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to the 12th century.

The Salters' Company, initially involved in the salt trade, has evolved over the centuries, shifting its focus towards philanthropy, education, and the support of scientific research.

The Salters' Company originated from the salt trade in medieval London. Salt was a valuable commodity used for preserving food.

It was formally constituted as a Livery Company in 1394. This was a significant period for forming guilds, which regulated trade and upheld standards.

Key Features

❇️The Roman Wall created a ditch outside the wall, which used to be a moat because of the rain. If you stood in the Garden 800 years ago, you would be swimming

❇️Most of the authentic Roman London Wall you see today is below current-day street level – hence the sunken Garden.

❇️The Garden is a knot garden (a formal geometric pattern) with a fountain and a central decorative urn near the Roman Wall.

❇️The Garden is formally laid out with areas of lawn, hedging, pergolas, gravel paths and paving.

❇️There are three fountains, one adjacent to the building and one at each end of the Garden, that to the west set within a circular pond, and a central decorative urn near the Roman Wall.

Today, the Garden is hired for private events but is open to the public daily.

Thank you for your attention

Tabby