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During the past year an improvement has been carried out at this churchyard
which will not only make it an extremely pleasant resort as a recreation ground, but
will be a valuable addition to the smaller open spaces of the Metropolis. By means of
raised flower beds and the concealment of gravestones by shrubs and trees a very
picturesque effect has been obtained which is enhanced by stretches of good turf and
well-gravelled walks provided in places with ornamental archways.
On 1st February, 1898, the Vestry voted the sum of £200 to be expended in laying
out the grounds with shrubs, flowers, gravel, &c., and including the provision of two
greenhouses, and the Housing Committee, by very careful attention to details and by
purchasing at public auctions, have succeeded in securing shrubs, plants, bulbs, &c., at
less than half their usual retail price. The erection of greenhouses is believed to be a
novel departure for a Metropolitan Vestry, and as the two erected in St. Leonard's
Churchyard should be sufficient to raise enough stock for the maintenance of the other
open spaces in Shoreditch, the experiment should prove a saving upon the present
system of purchasing all bedding-out plants.
A number of handsome shrubs has been kindly presented to the churchyard by
Mr. W. Hawley, of 112, Philip Lane, Tottenham, to whom the thanks of the Committee
have been conveyed.
The Rev. S. Buss has kindly given permission for the whipping posts and stocks
considered to be about 200 years old, which have been stored underneath the church
to be placed on exhibition in the churchyard. The Housing Committee agreed to offer
a 1st prize of £1 and a 2nd prize of 10s. to students of the Technical Schools for the
best designs for a shelter for the posts and stocks, and the students are now at work
preparing their designs.
The Metropolitan Gardens Association offered to place a drinking fountain in the
railings of the churchyard. A site adjoining the new gate on Hackney Road side has
been decided upon, and the fountain will shortly be fixed.
A new gate in Hackney Road has been erected, thus affording additional facilities
for people using the churchyard for recreation.
(b) CHARLES SQUARE.
The London County Council in March, 1897, agreed to contribute one-half of the
cost, estimated at £950, of acquiring and laying out the Square, for use by the public,
being £300 for purchase money, £455 for boundary railings and £194 for laying out,
such contribution however not to exceed £475 and subject to the Vestry agreeing to
maintain the Square when acquired and laid out.
Tenders for the supply and erection of boundary railings were received and the
tender of Messrs. Mallett & Co. of Lawrence Pountney Hill at £493 was accepted by
the Vestry on the 15th June, 1897. This sum was amended by the addition of 10 per
cent. bringing the total up to £542. The work is nearing completion.
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