The second stop from Monica Ali’s Brick Lane is St. James Park.
St. James Park is a bustling, culturally and historically significant park in the city of London. It borders Buckingham Palace, which made it an ideal place to stop in the story. The history of the park is quite fascinating in that the land began as marshy backwater, where animals, such as pigs, grazed. Additionally, a hospital was on the land for a time, treating women with leprosy. Called the Leper Hospital of St. James the Less, this history gave the park its name (“The History and Architecture of St. James’s Park.”).
The process in which it became a park dates back to 1532 when King Henry VIII fenced off the land for his private leisure of deer hunting. Later, King James I worked on the landscape of the park, creating Rosamond’s Pond, Duck island, and drainage improvements. This rich history of kings working on the park continued as King Charless II redesigned the landscape, adding a showstopping, tree-lined canal almost half a mile long” (“The History and Architecture of St. James’s Park.”). He would infamously meet Nell Gwynn, his mistress, in this park. George IV and John Nash, architect responsible for Buckingham Palace’s design, solidified the beautiful, natural look of St. James Park by adding a lake and winding paths (“Things to See and Do in St. James’s Park.”).
While Nazneen and her family are exploring London, they stop in London’s St. James Park, which is “the most royal of London’s Royal Parks” (“About”).
The text mentions this location by saying, “they walked on the other side of the road, following St. James Park, back towards Buckingham Palace” (Ali). Additionally, Nazneen has prepared a large picnic for her family. Ali writes, “they sat on the grass in St. James’s Park and Nazneen laid the picnic out on four tea towels” (Ali).
Steeped in rich royal history, St. James Park continues to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The activity calendar is full of music festivals and family events, while the natural beauty and long walking paths attracts those seeking refuge in nature or looking for a bit of exercise. No matter the season, it is a beautiful place to explore (“Things to See and Do in St. James’s Park.”). Because St. James Park is culturally significant, due to the direct influences of various members of the Royal Family, and has a deep-rooted history, it is the perfect place for Ali to include in a tour of London. Though Nazeen's family lives in another part of town in which there are more minorities, they are finally touring London itself. For Nazneen and her family to relax at the park and have their picnic shows that the purpose of the park is still being carried out. It is about building community and spending time with those you love in a naturalistic space. Even though Nazneen may be of a different culture originally, her decision to embrace London culture for the day must include places that have Royal influence. Therefore, the characters touring London had to include stops that are of significance to the Royal Family since they are respected by their people.
Works Cited
“About.” Royalparks, n.d. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park
Ali, Monica. Brick Lane. 2003
“The History and Architecture of St. James’s Park.” Royalparks, n.d. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park/history
“Spring in St. James’s Park Full of Golden Daffodils.” London Perfect, 31 March 2021, https://www.londonperfect.com/blog/2021/03/st-jamess-park/
“St. James’s Park.” Travel Expert Wiki, n.d., https://travelexpert.wiki/travel-directory/st-jamess-park-london/
“St. James’s Park- A London Park with Royal Views.” London Perfect, 31 March 2021, https://www.londonperfect.com/blog/2021/03/st-jamess-park/
“Things to See and Do in St. James’s Park.” Royalparks, n.d. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park/things-to-do