I visited Weavers Fields for the first time while doing a self-conducted cherry blossom tour of East London in April. Seeing as Bethnal Green was where the silk-weavers of Spitalfields used to reside, I figure that's how this park got its name. You won't find any weavers' houses in the area though. They were demolished to make way for this park!
Perhaps it's because I visited in the early evening - after 5 pm - and the weather was a tad chilly, that's why this place was rather empty. There was the odd couple here and there lying on the grass, but, otherwise, it seemed rather dull. There were some cherry blossom trees in bloom here and there, most of which were concentrated along the Woodland Walk. There is also a great view of the City of London skyline from this park.
The stainless steel sculpture in the central bed - Weaving Identities by Peter Dunn - was commissioned by the Council to celebrate the borough's sporting activities, and also refers to the historical residents of the area, the silk-weavers. It also serves as a CCTV mast. Functional art, eh?
Lastly, just so you know, barbecues are not allowed here, or, indeed in any other park located in the Borough of Tower Hamlets. read more