The Queen Elizabeth II Garden

In the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan, amidst the towering architecture of the Financial District, lies a profoundly moving and beautifully designed space that offers a quiet sanctuary for reflection: The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden. This "charming English garden" is more than just a green space; it serves as a powerful tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks, particularly those from the United Kingdom and the broader Commonwealth nations. As one visitor eloquently put it, it has "now also become a sanctuary where people from all over the Commonwealth can come to pay their respects and reflect on the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

Originally known as The British Memorial Garden, this significant site was officially renamed by the Dean of Westminster Abbey on May 2, 2012, to include victims from all Commonwealth of Nations member countries who perished in the September 11th attacks. The garden was also rededicated to honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, further cementing its role as a bridge between nations and a place of shared remembrance. Its very existence is a testament to the enduring friendship, common causes, and sacrifices shared by the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the United States of America.

The concept for the garden emerged from the British Memorial Garden Trust, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established by the British Consulate and the St. George's Society. The design, conceived by English landscape designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman, beautifully integrates the historic footprint of Hanover Square with the silhouette of the British Isles. Materials were thoughtfully sourced: undulating Morayshire sandstone from the Scottish highlands forms an inlay, inscribed with the shires of the British Isles, and a large, rounded "Braemar" stone from a riverbed near Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral home marks the distance from Aberdeen to New York. Even the plants, chosen by Lynden B. Miller and Ronda M. Brands, echo the spirit of an English garden while thriving in the North American climate. This meticulous attention to detail transforms the garden into a living memorial, a "conversation piece and a delightful breath of fresh air" for anyone in the area.

The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden is ideally situated in the historic Financial District of Lower Manhattan, making it a surprisingly accessible and peaceful retreat within one of New York City's busiest neighborhoods. You'll find this commemorative garden at the address associated with its physical location: 11 Hanover Square #12, New York, NY 10005. It's specifically located at the intersection of Hanover Square, Pearl Street, and Stone Street, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the surrounding urban density.

Its prime downtown location means it's incredibly well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation network. Several subway lines are within a very short walking distance, making it convenient for both local New Yorkers and visitors. The closest subway stations include:

• Bowling Green (4, 5 trains)
• Wall Street (2, 3 trains)
• Broad Street (J, Z trains)
• Whitehall Street – South Ferry (R, W trains)
• South Ferry (1 train)

These multiple options ensure that no matter where you are in the city, reaching the garden is a straightforward journey. Additionally, numerous MTA bus routes operate in the immediate vicinity, further enhancing accessibility.

Once you arrive at the garden, you'll find it to be quite accessible for pedestrians. The garden is designed with paved pathways that are generally level and easy to navigate. While it is a tranquil space for reflection and quiet enjoyment rather than active recreation, its design allows for comfortable movement. The garden is open to the public during daylight hours, providing ample opportunity for a visit. Given its smaller size and memorial nature, specific wheelchair accessibility features beyond smooth pathways are inherent in its design, but visitors with mobility concerns will find the primary paths welcoming for a reflective stroll.

The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden, as a memorial park, primarily offers a serene and contemplative public space rather than commercial services. Its "services" are focused on providing an environment for remembrance, reflection, and quiet enjoyment.

• Public Access: The garden is open to the public during daylight hours, offering a free space for anyone seeking peace and reflection in the heart of the city.
• Seating Areas: Comfortable benches, made of white Portland stone quarried in southern England and carved in Northern Ireland, are integrated into the garden's design, providing places to sit, rest, and contemplate.
• Green Space & Landscaping: The meticulously maintained English-style garden provides vital greenery, flowers, and trees, offering a refreshing visual and sensory escape from the concrete jungle.
• Memorial Space: The garden serves as a dedicated memorial to the 67 British and Commonwealth victims of the September 11th attacks, providing a tangible space for remembrance and honoring those lost.
• Cultural & Historical Connection: It acts as a living symbol of the enduring friendship and unity between the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.
• Educational Elements: Through its design, inscriptions, and carefully selected plantings (like the 67 heavenly bamboo shrubs representing each British victim), the garden subtly conveys its historical and symbolic significance.

Due to its nature as a memorial garden, it does not typically offer facilities such as restrooms, concession stands, or active recreational areas like playgrounds or sports fields. Its value is found in its capacity to offer a unique, quiet, and meaningful public space for remembrance and connection.

• Tribute to 9/11 Victims: The garden's foremost highlight is its profound dedication as a memorial to the 67 British and Commonwealth citizens who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks. This somber yet beautiful purpose is central to its identity.
• English Garden Design: Created by English landscape designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman, the garden exhibits a distinct English aesthetic, with formal plantings, serpentine benches of white Portland stone, and a serene atmosphere that transports visitors.
• Symbolic Plantings: A "ribbon of 67 heavenly bamboo shrubs" runs the length of the garden, each representing one of the British victims of 9/11. Other plants, echoing both British Isles and North American flora, add depth and meaning.
• Queen Elizabeth II Connection: The garden is officially named in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who officially opened it in 2010. A yellow magnolia, 'Magnolia 'Elizabeth',' planted by Prince Harry in 2009, further strengthens this royal link.
• Unique Stone Inlay: A striking feature is the undulating Morayshire sandstone inlay, quarried from the Scottish highlands, which is engraved with the shires of the British Isles. This unique artistic element represents the geographical breadth of the UK.
• Braemar Stone: At the garden's south end sits a large, rounded "Braemar" stone, from a riverbed near the Queen's Balmoral home, symbolizing the connection between Scotland and New York and the journey of remembrance.
• Westminster Abbey Coat of Arms: A slate carving of the coat of arms for Westminster Abbey, the historic guardian of the Queen, is set midway in the walk, serving as a symbolic guardian of the garden.
• Quiet Contemplation Space: Despite its location in a bustling area, the garden's design effectively creates a sense of peace and quiet, making it an ideal spot for reflection and respite.
• Iconic Location: Situated in Hanover Square, one of New York City's oldest public spaces, the garden is surrounded by historic architecture, making it a compelling blend of past and present.

As a public memorial garden, The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional retail sense. It is a freely accessible public space maintained for remembrance and contemplation. Its primary "offer" is the invaluable opportunity for peaceful reflection and a connection to a significant historical event and the enduring ties between nations.

However, visitors can benefit from:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "promotion" is that the garden is entirely free to enter and enjoy during its operating hours, providing a vital green and serene space in one of Manhattan's busiest districts.
• Public Events: The British Memorial Garden Trust, Inc., and the St. George's Society, often host annual commemorative ceremonies, particularly around September 11th and Remembrance Day (November 11th). These events are typically free and open to the public, offering a meaningful way to engage with the garden's purpose and community.
• Educational Resource: The garden itself serves as an ongoing educational resource, subtly sharing its history and symbolism through its design and features without any cost.
• Ongoing Maintenance & Beauty: The continuous upkeep and seasonal plantings ensure the garden remains a beautiful and inviting space year-round, which is a perpetual "offer" to the public of a well-maintained urban oasis.

For information on specific public ceremonies or events held at the garden, it is best to consult the official website of The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden or the St. George's Society of New York, as these organizations are responsible for its programming and preservation.

For inquiries related to The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden, including its mission, history, or how to support its upkeep, the primary contact would be through the administering organization, The British Memorial Garden Trust, Inc., or its associated societies.

Physical Location of the Garden:

11 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005 (specifically at the intersection of Hanover Square, Pearl Street, and Stone Street, Financial District, Lower Manhattan).

Contact Information (likely for administrative purposes for the managing trust):

Address: 11 Hanover Square #12, New York, NY 10005, USA

Phone: (212) 682-7945

Mobile Phone: +1 212-682-7945

For the most up-to-date information, news, and details about events, it is highly recommended to visit the official website:

Official Website: www.queenelizabethgarden.org

You can also find information through the NYC Parks Department website by searching for "Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden."

The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden is eminently suitable for New York City locals, offering a blend of historical significance, serene beauty, and a quiet space for contemplation that resonates deeply with the spirit of the city. For those living and working in Lower Manhattan, this garden is a crucial urban amenity that provides a much-needed respite from the high-energy environment.

First and foremost, it serves as a powerful local reminder of a pivotal moment in the city's history. For New Yorkers who experienced 9/11, or those who have grown up in its shadow, the garden provides a tangible and beautiful space to reflect on the immense loss and the resilience that followed. It offers a connection not just to the victims, but also to the global solidarity that emerged in the aftermath, particularly from the UK and Commonwealth nations. This makes it a deeply personal and meaningful place for many locals.

Beyond its memorial function, the garden offers a unique aesthetic experience. Its distinct English garden design, with "heaps of flowers" and carefully chosen plantings, provides a striking contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. It's a place where one can truly "enjoy a little greenery and bask in some sunshine," or find "plenty of shade," as a local reviewer noted. This natural beauty contributes significantly to mental well-being, offering a peaceful sanctuary for lunch breaks, quiet reading, or simply a moment of calm during a busy day.

Its highly accessible location in the Financial District, with multiple subway lines nearby, ensures that it’s an easy visit for anyone in the metropolitan area. Whether you're a local resident, an office worker, or someone passing through, the garden is conveniently situated to offer a brief but impactful escape.

Furthermore, the garden acts as a living symbol of international friendship and shared history. For New Yorkers with British or Commonwealth heritage, it's a special place to connect with their roots and honor a collective memory. The ongoing presence of such a thoughtfully designed and maintained public space underscores the city's commitment to remembrance and its capacity to create beauty even in places marked by sorrow. The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden is not just a tourist attraction; it is a profound and cherished local asset, providing a necessary balm for the soul in the heart of a vibrant, resilient city.

The Queen Elizabeth II Garden

11 Hanover Square #12, New York, NY 10005, USA