Queen's Gardens, Kingston upon Hull facts for kids
Queen's Gardens is a beautiful park in the middle of Kingston upon Hull, England. This park covers about 9.75 acres (4 hectares). Before 1930, this area was a busy dock called Queen's Dock. Because the dock wasn't completely filled in, the gardens are a bit lower than the streets around them.
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Exploring Queen's Gardens
Queen's Gardens has a main path lined with trees. This path leads to the Wilberforce Monument on the east side. In front of the monument, there's a pool with fountains. The statue of William Wilberforce, a famous person who worked to end slavery, sits on top of a tall column. It was moved here in 1935.
Most people enter the gardens from the west. Here, you'll find a circular area with flower beds and a fountain called the "Rosebowl." Steps and slopes lead down from this area into the main part of the gardens. On either side of the central path, there are big grassy areas. You'll also see smaller flower beds and two more large fountain pools.
The trees along the central path are Japanese cherry trees. Some of these trees are quite old now. In 2017, the gardens were updated. They opened up areas that used to be blocked by overgrown bushes. The pools were also improved, and new art was added to the park.
The Robinson Crusoe Plaque
On the north side of the gardens, there is a special plaque. It remembers Robinson Crusoe, a famous character from a story. The story says he sailed from Hull in 1651. He ended up stranded on a desert island for over 28 years. The plaque includes a quote from the story: "Had I the sense to return to Hull, I had been happy." This means he wished he had gone back home to Hull.
The Peace Garden
At the eastern end of the park, you'll find the Peace Garden. The Hull City Council created this garden in 1986. They did this for the United Nations' International Year of Peace. A local councillor named Alice Tulley, who was a Quaker, helped start it.
Since then, the Quakers hold a special meeting here every year. They do this to remember Hiroshima Day. This day is near the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Surrounding Areas
Victoria Square is at the western end of the gardens. From here, you can easily reach the Princes Quay shopping centre. You can also visit the Ferens Art Gallery. Many people use the gardens, especially students from the local college.
In 2005, the BBC built a new office and apartment building. It is located at the north-west corner of the gardens.
In 2017, a large sculpture called Solar Gate was put in the gardens. This artwork cost £310,000. It was part of the improvements for Hull's year as UK City of Culture.
Images for kids
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Queen's Gardens, looking towards the Hull Maritime Museum
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The Wilberforce Monument stands tall in Queen's Gardens.
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A plaque in Queen's Gardens remembers Robinson Crusoe.
