College Green, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids College Green |
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College Green
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| Type | Public Park |
| Location | London |
| Nearest city | Westminster |
College Green is a well-known public park in the heart of Central London, England. It's also sometimes called Abingdon Green. This green space is located in the City of Westminster, a very important part of London. It sits right next to famous landmarks like Westminster Abbey and is just across the road from the Houses of Parliament.
College Green is always open to the public. It's a popular spot for television reporters to interview politicians (MPs). During 2019, it became especially famous for hosting many TV and radio interviews about Brexit, a time when politicians were trying to agree on how the UK would leave the European Union.
What is College Green?
College Green is a small, open park. It's a place where people can relax or walk through. Because it's so close to the Houses of Parliament, it's a very convenient location for news channels. They often set up their cameras here to talk to MPs about important news and decisions.
Location and Surroundings
The park is located in a very historic area of London.
- To its east is Westminster Abbey, a famous church where kings and queens are crowned.
- Across the road are the gardens of the Houses of Parliament, where the UK government makes laws.
This makes College Green a central point for political news.
Art in the Park
You can find an interesting piece of art in College Green. It's a large bronze sculpture by a famous artist named Henry Moore. The sculpture is called Knife Edge Two Piece 1962–65. It's a modern artwork that adds to the park's unique feel.
A Look at Its History
College Green has an interesting past.
- Underground Car Park: The park you see today actually sits on top of a two-story underground car park. This car park was built between 1963 and 1964.
- River Thames Bank: A long time ago, this area was a muddy bank of the River Thames. It would get flooded when the tide came in. A medieval wall with a watergate separated it from the College Garden of Westminster Abbey.
- Name Origin: The name "College Green" comes from the "collegiate church" of Westminster Abbey. This church includes Westminster School, a very old and famous school.
