In the middle of Edgeware Road, just north of the junction with Bayswater Road, there is a traffic island. This was the site of the Tyburn Tree, the place of execution of many of our English Catholic martyrs. The site used to be marked by the small memorial pictured above. Unfortunately, the traffic island has recently been refashioned and the memorial is no longer there. This is a pity because I know that many Catholics used to like to venerate the cross, even from the opposite pavement (it is a busy road and the island is fenced off.)My guess is that this is merely an oversight and that the planners did not realise the significance of the cross. It would not cost much to place a small memorial on the site of the Tyburn Tree similar to the one that has been lost.
The traffic island is on the boundary of two wards of Westminster Council, Bryanston and Dorset Square and Hyde Park. The links take you to the pages for those wards with information about the ward councillors and email links. A few polite emails to the relevant councillors might be a start to arranging for a simple memorial being restored to this site which is of such significant historical and devotional interest.
9 comments:
Government conspiracy!?
All the London readers should petition the Council!
I know the spot well Fr Tim. Many years ago I used to service fountains just off the Edgeware Raod and passed this traffic island en-route at least two/three times a month.
Occassionally I would see a little old lady on her knees saying the Rosary (Rosary beads in hand). That was really awesome - humbling really.
As you say, probably an 'oversight' by the road construction workers, but let's please, everyone, put some pressure on the local council just to make sure the oversight is NOT permanent!
Would it be Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea Borough jurisdiction? I don't think it's Camden. Anyone know??? Email addresses needed here. Someone?
Our glorious Catholic Martyrs deserve better than this. Just been reading about St Oliver Plunkett, Catholic Archbishop, hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn for his Faith, OUR FAITH!, and last of the English Martyrs - so it makes it all the more poignant.
Good spot Fr Tim - I thought it was just my eyesight that couldn't spot the plaque from the Edgware Road.
I looked and looked and couldn't find the cross a few months ago! Perhaps it was already gone? I think there should be some larger monument in this spot as it is. Thankfully the convent is just a bit down the street and it is a prayerful reminder of the sacrifice of so many for their faith!
Dear Fr. Tim
I am pleased to pass on the following response from Hyde Park ward with regard to the Tyburn Tree memorial
Fr. Andrew Pinsent
============================
"Thank you for your communication.
As you so rightly comment this memorial has been removed due to the recent refurbishment works. However, it is due to be replaced shortly."
Kind regards
Councillor Jean Paul Floru
Member for Hyde Park Ward
The cross at Tyburn was removed for the works. According to Westminster Council, it will be returned to the site after "discussions with faith groups and the community".
I'd be careful about that "discussions with faith groups and the community." It is a historical marker and should be there.
What if some Muslim group is "offended." ditto atheists? I wouldn't put it past them! Keep a close eye and let us know if it is put back.
rozumim - can you qualify what you have said in any way? This is a Catholic 'thing' nothing to do with other faiths, groups, community (mostly muslim in that area) or any other multifaith.
I agree with Padre Steve - a MUCH BIGGER monument should be installed and blessed on that holy spot. We owe so much to our Glorious Martyrs.
@ George. I rang the council to ask what had happened to the Tyburn memorial and whether they were going to put it back. That was the answer I got.
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