Memorial: Reformers Tree
Erection date: 2000
{Carved in a spiral in the outer sandstone ring:}
This mosaic has been designed to commemorate the 'Reformers Tree', a venerable tree which was burnt down during the reform league riots in 1866. The remaining stump became a noticeboard for the political demonstration and a gathering point for reform league meetings. A new oak tree was planted by the then Prime Minister James Callaghan on 7 November 1977 on the spot where 'Reformers Tree' was thought to have stood.
This mosaic is at a meeting of 9 footpaths and 7 outlying mosaics, in the same style as the central feature, point the way to: Hyde Park Corner the Bandstand, Knightsbridge toilets 100m refreshments 400m, The Serpentine, Kensington Gardens the Old Police House, Lancaster Gate, Paddington and Speakers Corner Marble Arch.
Site: Reformers Tree (1 memorial)
W2, Hyde Park
The text on the memorial raises more questions than it answers. Firstly it does not say that this is (believed to be) the site of the original tree, in fact it excludes that possibility by saying that a new oak tree was planted on that spot in 1977. However there is no one tree nearby that stands out as obviously being that new tree. We question other points in the memorial text on our Reformers Tree page.
