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This narrow strip of public park
by the Thames was created in the late-19th century with the
construction of the Embankment.
The gardens have many statues
of notable British citizens, including the Scottish poet Robert
Burns.
The main historical feature of
the gardens is the water gate at its north west corner, built
in 1626 as the triumphal entry to the Thames for the Duke
of Buckingham. The water gate was part of York House,
which once stood on the site, the home to the Archbishops
of York, before becoming the Duke's residence. Although
the water gate is in its original position, because of the
embankment of the Thames, it is now 330 feet from the edge
of the river.
In the summer the gardens host
a season of open-air concerts.
Across the road, at the edge
of the Thames, stands Cleopatra's
Needle.
Admission free
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