91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Plaque

Coronation of George VI - fig tree

Erection date: 17/3/1937

Inscription

Coronation Planting Committee
This fig-tree was given and planted on St. Patrick's Day 1937 by Sir Evan Spicer, DL, to commemorate the crowning of King George VI.
Arthur G. B. West - Rector

This plaque was planned during turbulent times in the royal-watching community. Here's the time-line: 20 January 1936, George V died and Edward ascended the throne as King Edward VIII. 10 December 1936, Edward abdicated. 17 March 1937 fig tree planted. 12 May 1937 coronation of King George VI on the date previously intended for Edward's coronation.

One wonders how the St Dunstans plaque erectors felt when they heard the news on 10 December, with the fig tree on order for 17 March, and a plaque commemorating the coronation of King Edward VIII all ready to go. See the plaque at the City of London School for a plaque committee with an even worse tale of woe to tell.

Site: St Dunstan's in the East (3 memorials)

EC3, St Dunstan's Hill, St Dunstan's in the East Garden

These three plaques are on the south side of the south wall of the ruined church. Our photo shows all three plaques, left to right: fig tree; Gyle-Thomson; garden.

Built c. 1100 this church was severely damaged in the 1666 Great Fire. It was patched up and a Wren-designed tower and steeple was added.  1817-21 the church was rebuilt, retaining the Wren tower and steeple. The church was very badly damaged in the 1941 Blitz, though the tower and steeple survived. It was decided not to rebuild, but to turn the site into a garden amongst the ruins. The public garden opened in 1971 and is, 2020, a truly delightful place to each your sandwiches, or shot your fashion photos as happened on one of our visits.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in to see them

This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
Coronation of George VI - fig tree

Subjects commemorated i

Coronation of King George VI

George VI's coronation at Westminster Abbey took place on 12 May 1937, the da...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

King George VI

Became king when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated. Like his father George ...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

This section lists the subjects who helped to create/erect the memorial on this page:
Coronation of George VI - fig tree

Created by i

Sir Evan Spicer

Liberal and London Progressive politician who served for 30 years (1889 - 191...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Arthur G. B. West

We were delighted to find this Jack Boothe drawing of West in The Vancouver P...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

This section lists the other memorials at the same location as the memorial on this page:
Coronation of George VI - fig tree

Also at this site i

Hugh Gyle-Thomson

Hugh Gyle-Thomson

The plaque spells Thomson without a 'p' and, given the Hugh Gyle-Thompson tha...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

St Dunstan's Garden

St Dunstan's Garden

It's not possible to read all the text but the 1345 date confirms that our (n...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Nearby Memorials

St Gabriel Fenchurch

St Gabriel Fenchurch

EC3, Fenchurch Street, 30

We've been expecting another plaque to appear on this building, commemorating Plantation House and its role (1936 – 1970) in the London T...

2 subjects commemorated, 1 creator
Dwight D Eisenhower - Kingston

Dwight D Eisenhower - Kingston

KT2, Kingston Hill and Warren Road

Telegraph Cottage no longer stands but the name tells some of its history, in the days when semaphore was the best method of telegraphing...

3 subjects commemorated, 1 creator
Sir Nigel Gresley

Sir Nigel Gresley

N1, King's Cross Station, Platform 8

By 2008 when we heard about this plaque it had been hidden/removed behind long-term building works. From Network Rail we learnt that it ...

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Richmond Palace

Richmond Palace

TW9, Friar's Lane, Queensbury House

{Round plaque:} Upon this site formerly stood the Palace of Richmond, built by Henry VII in 1501. A royal residence first occupied this s...

8 subjects commemorated, 1 creator
Red Cross Garden 2

Red Cross Garden 2

SE1, Redcross Way, 50

The roundel was created by a glass-making firm, James Powell and Son, after a sketch by Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford. The quotat...

3 creators