Finsbury Circus

Finsbury Circus, oval garden of the City

The London audio-guided tour has you discover, by taking a street on the right, Finsbury Circus, a pleasant oval-shaped garden nestled in the heart of the City. An unexpected green haven in the middle of the financial district.

On the course of an underground river

In Roman times, this place was not a park but the source of a river, the Walbrook, which crossed the City of London to flow into the Thames. This river still exists, but it now flows entirely underground. It was on this land that William Montague created, in 1812, an oval-shaped garden, bordered by the buildings of the wealthy owners of the City.

What there is to see

The garden, with its lawns, its trees and its benches, offers a welcome break to walkers and to the employees of the district. Its oval shape and its green setting contrast with the office buildings that surround it. It is one of the oldest public green spaces of the City, ideal for taking a breath for a few moments away from the bustle of business.

Practical information

Finsbury Circus is in the City of London. It is a public garden freely accessible and on the level during opening hours, which may vary with the season. It is an appreciated green stop in the heart of the financial district.

How long has Finsbury Circus existed?

Since 1812, when William Montague created this oval garden; it is one of the oldest public green spaces of the City.

What was at this site in Roman times?

The source of the Walbrook river, which crossed the City to flow into the Thames and today flows underground.