Description
Fortune Street and this small park are named after the Fortune Theatre, which was built for Edward Alleyn and Philip Henslowe in 1600 on Golden Lane, off which Fortune Street runs. The area was bombed during WWII and the site was laid out as Fortune Street Park in the early 1960s. In 2002 refurbishment works were undertaken, which included landscaping, provision of additional seating and re-siting of play equipment.
Practical Information
| Site location | Fortune Street/Golden Lane |
|---|---|
| Postcode | EC1 |
| What3Words | ///dame.jukebox.bells |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Islington |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 8am - dusk |
| Facilities | Children's playground, accessible play equipment |
| Public Transport | Tube/Rail: Old Street, Barbican (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Metropolitan). Bus: 5, 56, 153, 43, 205, 214, 271 |
| Research Updated | 1 May 2013 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The Fortune Theatre was modelled on The Globe, and was originally a wooden building, which burnt down in 1621 and was then rebuilt in brick. The theatre was closed by the Puritans in 1642 although it carried on operating until it was dismantled by soldiers in 1649. The park has a central path flanked by rose beds winding through areas of grass, with shrubberies around the perimeter and two playgrounds. There are a variety of tree species throughout, some mature and notable specimens. The park is well-used by office workers as well as the local community, and as a result of this heavy use a partnership of LB Islington, the Corporation of London and local people led to refurbishment works in 2002. Now completed, these included landscaping, provision of additional seating and re-siting of play equipment. A community mosaic was created and the Friends of Fortune Park was set up.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ323820 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.36 |
| Site Ownership | LB Islington |
| Site Management | Greenspace/Friends of Fortune Park |
| Dates | 1960s |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Islington |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - Archaeological Priority Area |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
Bridgewater Square was built on the site of the early C16th mansion and gardens of the Earl of Bridgewater. In 1687 Bridgwater House burnt down, causing the deaths of the 3rd Earl's eldest sons and tutor, and was not rebuilt. The residential square was subsequently developed around a central garden. In 1925 there was a campaign to save the garden as public open space. It was acquired by public subscription in 1926 and laid out as public gardens, opening to the public on 15 October 1928 for 'use by local workers'. Now essentially part of the Barbican Estate, it is used as a playground for a children's nursery, with adjacent land to the north laid out as Barbican Wildlife Garden, accessible to residents of the estate.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Golden Lane Estate was built for the Corporation of London from 1953-62 after the area had been badly bombed in WWII. Architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon won the competition and their design of both architecture and landscaping is formal and geometric. Designed to be traffic-free, the estate was for people working in the City, with 10 blocks of different sizes around 4 landscaped courtyards. Hard landscaping predominates in the communal spaces although there is some green space and tree planting. Social facilities included a swimming pool, a bowling green (now tennis courts), a nursery school and community centre. The first part was completed by 1957 and represented the first phase of the replanning / rebuilding of the Barbican/London Wall area; a later phase was completed by 1962 along Goswell Road. In 2010 a group of residents set up The Golden Baggers, a food-growing project on the unused nursery playground, which has expanded considerably since then.
Golden Lane Estate was built for the Corporation of London from 1953-62 after the area had been badly bombed in WWII. Architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon won the competition and their design of both architecture and landscaping is formal and geometric. Designed to be traffic-free, the estate was for people working in the City, with 10 blocks of different sizes around 4 landscaped courtyards. Hard landscaping predominates in the communal spaces although there is some green space and tree planting. Social facilities included a swimming pool, a bowling green (now tennis courts), a nursery school and community centre. The first part was completed by 1957 and represented the first phase of the replanning / rebuilding of the Barbican/London Wall area; a later phase was completed by 1962 along Goswell Road. In 2010 a group of residents set up The Golden Baggers, a food-growing project on the unused nursery playground, which has expanded considerably since then.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
The Barbican Estate was built by Corporation of London following WWII bomb damage and the subsequent proposal for part of the area to be developed as a residential neighbourhood, with shops, schools, open spaces and amenities. The design competition was won by Geoffrey Powell who with Chamberlin and Bon had already commenced work on nearby Golden Lane Estate. The first detailed plans were drawn up in 1956, influenced by Le Corbusier. The point blocks, terraces and raised walkways were arranged around gardens, with pools of water, and 3.2 hectares of the 14 hectare site is open space of various types: private gardens, communal spaces for residents, public spaces. The design and structural planting of private gardens, roof gardens, and balconies follow the lines and rhythms of the architecture.
The Barbican Estate was built by Corporation of London following WWII bomb damage and the subsequent proposal for part of the area to be developed as a residential neighbourhood, with shops, schools, open spaces and amenities. The design competition was won by Geoffrey Powell who with Chamberlin and Bon had already commenced work on nearby Golden Lane Estate. The first detailed plans were drawn up in 1956, influenced by Le Corbusier. The point blocks, terraces and raised walkways were arranged around gardens, with pools of water, and 3.2 hectares of the 14 hectare site is open space of various types: private gardens, communal spaces for residents, public spaces. The design and structural planting of private gardens, roof gardens, and balconies follow the lines and rhythms of the architecture.
