Episode 8: Parks at War

The Royal Parks podcast

In this month’s episode we interview David Iverson, historical researcher for The Royal Parks Guild. David tells us about the practical uses The Royal Parks had during both world wars, paying particular attention to WW1. He shares how the government drained the lake in St James’s Park to make way for the temporary building of the Ministry of Shipping and how much of the parks were taken over for allotments to combat food shortages. We discuss how the wars shaped our parks today and the touching stories of parks' staff who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

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About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

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