THE THORNEY ISLAND SOCIETY
Friends of St. James’s Park and The Green Park
The Thorney Island Society takes its name from the island in the Thames which was once no more than a dense thicket and upon which Westminster Abbey was first built.
It is a conservation and amenity group founded in 1985 – its objective then being to save the Library erected in Great Smith Street in 1893. Today it continues to look after the interests of both residents and businesses within the area and acts as a ‘watchdog’ on local planning and development issues. The Society is also concerned about the extension of conservation boundaries and the scale and aesthetics of building programmes within its remit.
Some of the most historic landmarks in the capital are situated here including Westminster Abbey, The Palace of Westminster, Tate Britain and St. John’s, Smith Square.
Many of its street names evoke medieval origins – Horseferry Road, Old Palace Yard, Abbey Orchard Street, Strutton Ground and Perkins Rents. Much to the Society’s regret, there have been adverse material changes to the area including the closure of the library in Great Smith Street and the demolition of 18th Century and Art Deco houses in Marsham and Tufton Streets. The area continues to be under threat from further construction and development work thus removing the village of old Westminster with its hospital, library, swimming pool, post office and local shops.
In 1994, the area covered by the Society was extended by being asked to adopt St. James's Park and The Green Park. Later, to commemorate this, an oak tree was planted in St. James's Park. A tree to mark the millennium was planted in The Green Park.
The Thorney Island Society has been at the forefront of attempts to preserve the heritage of old Westminster whilst understanding the importance of striking a balance between conservation, improvement and new building programmes. It has particular regard for the residential, ecclesiastical and commercial interests of this important part of London. Westminster City Council send planning applications for our architects to consider and report on.
Since its foundation, the Society has grown in numbers and influence. It has over 500 members including corporate members and is particularly active in local history and research matters which have encouraged the opening of a neighbourhood resource centre and archive at 10 Old Pye Street where we collect paintungs, prints, photographs, period post cards and small relevant artefacts. The Society also nominates representatives to attend conservation events and wildlife studies in the capital and to undertake committee work with a number of public bodies including The Metropolitan Police, The Royal Parks Forum and the Wild Life Forum.
There are regular dinners with guest speakers and private visits to places of local interest, intriguing landmarks and venues within the area covered by the Society - some of which are not readily accessible to the public.
Our members include many prominent people and businesses and we are grateful not only for their help and support but for the time which so many other members dedicate to the Society’s aims. We are, of course, always keen to welcome new members. If you are interested, please complete and return the membership form.
