St Vedast-alias-Foster Public Garden and its Treasures, City of London

In the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral and hidden along a small passageway, from Foster Lane, is this wonderful public garden, that holds some intriguing and historic items.

The garden is built on what was once a graveyard belonging to St Vedast-alias-Foster, a church that was founded in around 1170. 

The church has been restored many times and rebuilt at least twice, the last by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of 1666.

The church was completely gutted during The Blitz, with its restoration being undertaken by Canon Charles Bernard Mortlock, Poet Laureate John Betjeman, Noel Mander a master organ builder and architect Stephen Dykes Bower.

An adjacent plot to the north, formerly the location of the Fountain Pub, was purchased and used for the construction of a new Rectory. On land between this new Rectory and what is now the parish hall of St Vedast a small secluded courtyard was built.

Passing through these blue doors and up the three small stone steps you will find yourself in a small courtyard, with a tree as a centrepiece, various plants and plaques. The white walls in contrast with the brick walls and the covered walkway gives this small courtyard an almost Mediterranean feel. 

But there are secrets to be discovered here: Roman tiles, sculptures and a 3,000 year old brick, from Iraq.

On the south wall you will find the remains of a Roman pavement, discovered 18 feet below the floor of the church of St Matthew, Friday Street, which was demolished in 1886.

There is a small sculpture of Canon Charles Bernard Mortlock, entitled 'Head', by Jacob Epstein.

But, the most curious item that can be seen in this wonderful little oasis of tranquillity is a brown block with cuneiform writing etched onto it.

This is actually a mud brick and was a gift to Canon Mortlock from Sir Max Mallowan, second husband of Agatha Christie, as a sign of the friendship between the two.

This mud brick was part of an ancient pyramid, called a ziggurat, which was used for religious purposes. It was unearthed by Sir Max Mallowan during his archaeological dig in Iraq, between 1950-1965. Sir Max Mallowan was the Director of the British School of Archaeology in Iraq from 1947-1961.

The brick is inscribed with cuneiform writing and bears the name Shalmaneser, who reigned from 858 to 834 BC. For context purposes this brick predates the Roman Empire by over 900 years.

I was actually surprised that there is no plaque or marker to inform the visitors to this park about this bricks origins and history.

You can visit this garden whenever the church is open and a sign on the blue doors informs passersby that it is indeed open to the public.