Richard Jones

Edgar's Guide to Postman's Park 2020: 3 Richard Jones

Postman's Park is a tranquil haven located but a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral. It is a lovely spot at which to while away a pleasant morning or an afternoon, taking in the air, enjoying the profusion of colourful flora, whilst struggling to believe that you are, in fact, still in central London. On the west side of the little garden you will find a lean-to porch, upon the wall of which are a series of tiles, each relating, in the briefest of descriptions, the story of an ordinary man, woman or child who endeavoured to save the life of a fellow human being - often a total stranger - and, in so doing, sacrificed their own life. On each plaque is the name of a man, woman or child - sometimes several sacrificers are remembered on the same plaque - together with the date of their death and the rescue and a brief synopsis of the manner in which they met their end. Normally, people just stand and look at the plaques and then move on. But, now, thanks to Edgar's Guides, you can read the full story - culled from the Victorian and early 20th century newspapers - behind every one of the plaques. You can while away an hour or so reading about the likes of Alice Ayres, Sarah Smith and little Soloman Galaman, and marvel at the bravery and selflessness that they demonstrated in their final moments. Wherever possible, we have sourced images of them, so that each one of these heroes becomes a living, breathing person whose sacrifice becomes even more poignant when you see them as fellow human beings, not just names on a memorial.