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The Thorney Island Society (TTIS) which takes its name from the island in the Thames upon which Westminster Abbey was first built is twenty-five years old.This Society was formed as a conservation and amenity group with its (then) objective to save the Library in Great Smith Street, erected in 1893. Within its boundaries are located some of the capital's most historic landmarks: Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster, Tate Britain. In 1994 the area covered by TTIS was extended by its adoption of St James' Park and The Green Park, although the Parks themselves are protected by the Royal Parks Agency.
Today, TTIS' general objectives are: looking after the interests of both residents and businesses by acting as a 'watchdog' on local planning and development issues, and on proposed building programmes in the Westminster and Victoria areas. TTIS has representation on both the Westminster Amenity Societies Forum as well as on the Royal Parks Guild.
The TTIS Archives is located at the junction of St Anne's Lane and Old Pye Street on the site of the Wun Tun Ragged School that stood here from 1879 - 1930 until its incorporation into the Wyndham-Ashley Mission. The school itself used to meet in the Wun Tun Public House situated in nearby Perkins Rents, SW1. As you enter mounted displays of Westminster scenes face you. Next to them is the pavilion that once stood in The Green Park in the late 1700s. Inside drawers four feet by three feet are laid out prints of Whitehall and Westminster, dating back at least one hundred & fifty years old. To the left of these is a glass case containing souvenir mugs and preserved toys. As TTIS' boundaries also cover the River Thames, above head height are displayed a row of barges representing former Worshipful Companies, amongst them the Skinners. Mounted prints illustrate the meanings of street names nearby, for example the original 'Horseferry' was the only means of cross-river transport in existence before the Lambeth and Westminster bridges were built; and George Peabody, after whom the Peabody Estate further along Old Pye Street is named.
TTIS raises funds through dinners, lunches, a Christmas Bazaar, local walks in areas of historical interest, and visits to exhibitions. Talks at its ever-popular lunch at the National Liberal Club have, in the past, included 'John Profumo: Saint or Sinner' A future dinner speaker booked for 2010 is Viscountess Montgomery of Alamein to talk on Daphne Du Maurier's mother, and Ann Priston on New Scotland Yard’s first forensic science laboratory. Next year sees the 500th Anniversary of the Horse Guards, for which a TTIS-led walk is scheduled for December.
Lord William Rees-Mogg stands down as President of TTIS after nearly twenty-five years’ service. He is to be succeeded by Mr Justice - also known as Sir Nicholas - Underhill.
Those who have an interest in becoming members of TTIS are invited to contact the Founder & Chairman on 0207 222 2449 or visit our website at www.thethorneyislandsociety.co.uk.
To gain access to the Archives, please contact A Dickenson on 0208 647 9254.
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