Victoria Park, London

Victoria Park is a central green space shaped by history. Established in 1874 and named after Queen Victoria, it was previously a British military garrison. In the mid-1850s, barracks housed formerly enslaved people arriving through the Underground Railroad. After the buildings burned in the early 1870s, much of the area remained undisturbed, preserving its archaeological value. Three cannons from the Crimean War are displayed in the park.

The park includes features linked to the Second World War, including the restored Sherman tank “Holy Roller,” one of only two Canadian tanks to serve from D-Day in 1944 to the end of the war in 1945. It was returned in 2022 after restoration. The grounds are also known for black squirrels, established in the early 20th century, with some sent to Kent State University in 1961 to form a new population.

Seasonal events and local traditions continue to shape how the space is used. Since 1958, a winter lighting display has marked the start of the holiday season, expanding from a single tree into a large installation across the park. Informal customs also include using a nut on a string to interact with the squirrels, reflecting everyday use alongside historical features.