L&Q welcomes HRH The Duke of Gloucester and Heritage of London Trust to Chopwell Close estate
We were delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester, alongside more than 100 local residents and school children, to the Chopwell Close estate to open a restored fragment of East End heritage.
Queen Mary’s Hospital for the East End was founded in the 1860s, at a time when factories were booming in the area. The hospital played an important role in the area during both World Wars but closed in 1983. Replaced by a housing estate, it’s entrance arch is the last remaining remnant.
Over the last decades, the arch weathered badly, with the original carved lettering becoming illegible and water damage and cracks appearing in the blocks. After a resident raised the issue, Heritage of London Trust and L&Q funded a restoration project to bring it back to its past glory.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester is presented with a historic photo of the hospital
The lettering was carefully re-carved by stonemasons from London Stone Conservation, the staining removed and cracks in the stonework repaired. Local school pupils from London Academy of Excellence and West Ham CofE Primary School were invited to meet the stonemasons at work and try out skills during the Autumn through Heritage of London Trust’s Proud Places programme.
The restored arch was unveiled in a ceremony attended by over 100 local pupils, residents, and the local church congregation. HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the Patron of Heritage of London Trust, was received by the Deputy Lieutenant for Newham, Mr Kim Bromley-Derry CBE.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Fiona Fletcher-Smith, local residents and school children stood beneath the restored arch at Chopwell Close estate
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Group Chief Executive of L&Q, said:
“We are delighted to have supported this wonderful project. L&Q is proud of its long history as a housing provider in east London, and the rich heritage of the places and communities we serve.
"It was a pleasure to work with Heritage of London Trust to ensure the fascinating history of Queen Mary’s Hospital for the East End Arch is preserved for future generations.”
Dr Nicola Stacey, Director, Heritage of London Trust, said:
“We are thrilled to have helped bring this important piece of east end history back to life. It became an inspirational local project for young people as they could get up close to see the stonemasons at work.
"Our Proud Places programme encourages young people to feel proud of their local history and it was fantastic to see their excitement when the arch was revealed.”
Sienna Jennings, aged 16 from London Academy of Excellence, said:
“I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.”
Anas Stupuras, aged 16, also from London Academy of Excellence, said:
“I feel like I’m part of something bigger than I could ever be! It’s so amazing seeing the community together – all because of this arch.”
David Mills, local resident, said:
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Heritage of London Trust and L&Q for their generous support over the past two years.
"Today’s ceremonial opening of the restored Queen Mary’s archway was also a celebration of community spirit. This important monument, which has both historical and sentimental significance, has now been preserved for generations to come.”