Welcome
The Society was formed in 1985 to save from demolition London's first public library in Great Smith Street (above right). Since then we have kept a watchful eye on developments in this area, which includes the World Heritage Site encompassing the Abbey and Houses of Parliament. We respond on behalf of residents and businesses to local planning applications. Our 350+ members enjoy local visits & talks of historic and other interest, social events and an archive of books, prints, plans and ephemera.
Visits & Special 35th Anniversary Celebrations 2020
We are not running our visits and events programme for the foreseeable future and dates have been moved to 2021 and our Archives are closed. In the interim we continue our local history research and respond to all planning applications. We are putting on new virtual visits too using Zoom.
Look out for our 36th Anniversary Party next year rather than the 35th we had planned!
Follow us on Twitter @ThorneyIslandSo and Instagram #thethorneyislandsociety
Stay well
Sue Ball
Chair
A History of St James's Park through Trees - Talk by Greg Packman
Thursday 1st October, 5pm - We are delighted to welcome Greg back to talk to us on his favourite subject, St James's Park trees ! This time, Greg explains the history and fashions that shaped the park over the years.
Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the link to this Zoom talk.
St James's Park, c 1830, Lithograph by TM Baynes. Westminster City Archives
A History of St James's Park through Trees - Talk by Greg Packman
Victoria Tower Gardens - London Parks & Gardens Trust Fundraising for Judicial Review
UPDATE ! 23rd August 2020
We are now less than 3 weeks away from the Judicial Review that was called a few months ago by the London Parks and Gardens Trust (LPTG), seeking to remove from the government and its ministers the final decision-making process in relation to this application, handing it over instead to the independent Planning Inspector himself. This is to establish whether it is legal for the Housing Minister to decide on a planning application which was made by his own Ministry (MHCLG).
The head of that Ministry, Robert Jenrick, has made statements saying that the Government are 'implacably' committed to building the National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens. LPGT think that the decision is bound to be biased unless there is institutional separation between the applicant and the decision maker.
LPTG is a small charity that does wonderful work in protecting and promoting green spaces across our capital. In our current Covid19 world, few things are so important to us as greenery and outdoor space. LPGT are raising funds through https://www.
The outcome of the Judicial Review is extremely important for everyone participating in the ensuing Public Inquiry.
Victoria Tower Gardens - London Parks & Gardens Trust Fundraising for Judicial Review
Save Victoria Tower Gardens - Planning Inquiry Postponed
UPDATE! AUGUST 2020
The Planning Inspector has decided to postpone the UK Holocaust Memorial Planning Inquiry until 6th October. The Inspector thought it was difficult to envisage how this inquiry could be effectively handled digitally, without the risk of prejudicing anyone's chance to fully engage. The Inspector does not think it is appropriate for this appeal to be part of the initial trials of electronic inquiries as urged by The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
A case of this importance requires a reliable process, close scrutiny and full public access. In the meantime the SVTG campaign has prepared the necessary Witness Statements and Proof of Evidence and will be submitting them shortly.
Save Victoria Tower Gardens - Planning Inquiry Postponed
Consultation Begins - Southside, Victoria Street
Consultation Begins - Southside, Victoria Street
10 Greycoat Place - Developer's Consultation
There is a new public consultation on 10 Greycoat Place, opposite the Grey Coat Hospital (School) and as an exhibition cannot be held, it is available online at https://10greycoatconsult.
Our comment can be viewed on the Planning page via tab above.
Westminster Coroner's Court
Please see our response on our Planning page via the tab above.
Visit to the RHS Lindley Library
Our planned visit to the RHS Lindley Library in Vincent Square has been postponed to 2021. We will confirm the new date when the library staff return to work and we look forward to seeing the library and some of their marvellous collection.
St. James's and The Green Park Update and Movement Strategy - 10th July 2020
Read here the latest on loos, kiosks, road closures and more ! CLICK HERE