Artillery Garden
The HAC moved from Spitalfields to its present site in 1641. The grounds to the
south of Armoury House are described in a map of the area of 1677 as the 'New
Artillery Garden'. They are occasionally referred to as the 'Artillery Ground'
but are more commonly known as the 'Artillery Garden'. The site was acquired in
part because of its proximity to open ground to the north, which was used for
archery practice. The members had a wall built round the Ground to keep strangers
out; drilling could then be undertaken undisturbed, and without risk to the public.
A record exists of a game of cricket played on the Artillery Garden as early
as 1725. The first balloon ascent in England, by Vincenzo Lunardi (1759-1806),
started from the Artillery Garden in 1784, in front of huge crowds.
The area is now used for rugby and football in the winter and cricket in the
summer. It is also, as a source of revenue for the Company, rented out for parties
and events. As part of its charitable commitment, the Company permits local schools
to use the Ground for sporting activity, and the grounds remain at the disposal
of the Regiment for training purposes.
The Artillery Garden is now ringed by a variety of trees planted in 1996, and
again in 2000 to celebrate the Millennium. The 7 magnolia grandiflora in front
of Armoury House were donated by members of the Royal Family.