Duck Island Cottage: St. James’s Park Secret Revealed

Tucked away in St. James’s Park, across from 10 Downing Street, lies the enchanting Duck Island Cottage. Far from a typical residence, this historic building boasts a rich history dating back to the reign of James I, evolving from a duck decoy to a bird keeper’s residence and, currently, the London Parks & Gardens office. The charming cottage, built in 1841, has served various purposes throughout its existence, including housing ‘birdman’ Thomas Hinton and spinster park keepers. Today, it’s a working office, offering a unique blend of history and modern conservation efforts. The team at London Parks & Gardens works tirelessly to protect London’s green spaces, using the cottage as a base for their initiatives. The cottage’s whimsical exterior, with its frilly bargeboards and spiky finials, attracts curious children who often peek inside. While the interior is a functional office space, it retains a touch of its quaint charm. The surrounding gardens, a public space, are also home to a thriving vegetable garden and, most notably, the park’s famous pelicans, a legacy dating back to Charles II. This juxtaposition of history, nature, and modern conservation efforts makes Duck Island Cottage a unique and fascinating landmark in the heart of London, a testament to the city’s blend of old and new. While the cottage itself is private, the surrounding gardens are open to the public, and a gift shop is open Thursdays through Sundays. The cottage’s history highlights the evolution of London’s green spaces and the ongoing struggle to balance urban development with nature preservation.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/secret/duck-island-cottage-st-james-park)