Bridging tradition and innovation,
building a sustainable City

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Bridging tradition and innovation,
building a sustainable City

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An update from your Alderman
for Dowgate Ward

Learn more about Dowgate Ward

Dear Colleague,

From trainee lawyer to my current role as a commercial property consultant with DLA Piper, Dowgate Ward has been my workplace. I have represented its businesses and residents since 1991; first as your Common Councillor, and since 2002 as Alderman of this Ward.

My service is active and responsive; rooted in the belief that the City of London underpins our national success story, with impact locally and globally. This is a place of unparalleled history, but also an energetic incubator of innovation; endlessly adaptable to the challenges we face. Ours is also a community founded on the rule of law and grounded in the institutions that uphold it.

My work through Livery, charity and the many City Committees and organisations I have contributed to, balances deep respect for our traditions and emblematic role within our national life, with an equal regard for how we must work together to create a resilient and successful City for the centuries to come. My work with the Green Finance Institute reflects this belief that the transition towards climate- responsible business conducted in a sustainable City environment also creates a wealth and diversity of opportunity that makes profound economic sense.

Best wishes,
Alison Gowman CBE

Alderman, Dowgate Ward (since 2002)

Former Chair and Deputy Chair, City Bridge Foundation (2014 - 2021)

Non-executive Director, Green Finance Institute (2019-22)

“For me, the interests of Dowgate’s people and businesses come first; supporting, connecting and advocating on your behalf”

“For me, the interests of Dowgate’s people and businesses come first; supporting, connecting and advocating on your behalf”

A successful, innovative Dowgate in a thriving City

A sustainable, resilient City for all

Achieving a net-zero City by 2027 requires courage and vision. I will work for a resilient and sustainable environment that secures our future for the decades beyond.

The City at the heart of our legal system

Our legal system is second to none. As a solicitor, magistrate, and former City Sheriff, I will continue to champion enhanced resources, including the new Fleet St courts complex.

A global City that shapes the world

As your Alderman, I will harness the convening power of the City and our venerable institutions to build relationships that create positive change locally and globally.

My work as your Alderman

Refocused the City Bridge Foundation with a new Royal Charter.

City lead for climate action,
biodiversity, sustainability
and greening spaces.

Responsive business support during disruptive major TfL tunnel works.

Enhanced and sustainably replanted Whittington Gardens.

Advocate for ‘Destination City’: green, walkable, creative and safe.

COP 25 & 26 representative for the City Corporation, championing Green Finance.

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Contact

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About Dowgate Ward

There are 25 Wards in the City of London. These are the voting areas largely set down in medieval London that still exist today. Each Ward elects one Alderman and several Common Councillors. Dowgate has two Common Councillors. 

The Ward is dominated by Cannon Street Station and has a complementary mixture of historic buildings and modern development.  The new buildings reflect the modern businesses of banking, asset management, legal and financial institutions. They also all boast excellent roof gardens that vie to win plaudits and awards each year.  There are some residents in the  Ward including the largest residential house (apart from the Mansion House) in the City. This was built immediately after the Great Fire  Wards in the City of London. These are the voting areas largely set down in medieval London that still exist today. Each Ward elects one Alderman and several Common Councillors. Dowgate has two Common Councillors. 

The Ward is dominated by Cannon Street Station and has a complementary mixture of historic buildings and modern development.  The new buildings reflect the modern businesses of banking, asset management, legal and financial institutions. They also all boast excellent roof gardens that vie to win plaudits and awards each year.  There are some residents in the  Ward including the largest residential house (apart from the Mansion House) in the City. This was built immediately after the Great Fire and has an extensive and award winning garden. Our Church is the Wren designed St Michael Paternoster Royal which is fronted with the lovely open space and fountain at Whittington Gardens.  

Historically the name Dowgate is said to derive from the Anglo Saxon word “dou” meaning water as the Ward was the site of the original water gate into the City. The river access also meant that it was the ideal spot to eject the City’s rubbish and so it was either literally dumped into the River or else placed on small boats and rowed out to sea. Just to show that things do not always change, the City’s Environmental Services Department is still on the Thames at the boundary of Dowgate Ward. The City’s rubbish now goes in barges down the River.

The Romans made their home in this part of London and the site that is now Cannon Street Station was the Roman Governor’s Palace.

 

The Ward is home to the most famous Lord Mayor, Dick Whittington who is said to be buried under St Michael Paternoster Royal. There is no marked grave but there is a blue plaque.

 

The 13th ‐ 16th centuries saw a busy trading time for the English economy that was much assisted by the Hanseatic merchants who had privileged rights to trade in the City. They were based in the Stalhof ‐ Steelyard ‐that is now remembered in the small passageway called Steelyard Passage. The Stalhof sat on the River right under the current Station. The riverside walkway by Cannon Street Bridge has been renamed Hanseatic Walk to commemorate their contribution to City life.

 

Samuel Pepys is said to have run up the river steps (now by The Banker pub) to warn the Lord Mayor of the Great Fire and those steps are recorded in the badge of the Vintry and Dowgate Wards’ Club. Not far from this spot is the only fire station in the in the City ‐ Dowgate Station. The fire engine boasts the name Dowgate on its door.  It also houses the London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation team complete with fire dogs.

 

The four Livery Halls in the Ward reflect the original business carried out here. The Dyers and Skinners both needed access to water to carry on their trades and the odours of their respective crafts were probably not noticed in the general effluence flowing in the Ward. The Tallow Chandlers were likewise the sort of business that you did not particularly want in your back yard. Only the Innholders positively attracted custom to this area. Only hoteliers remain in the City but the ensemble of 17th – 18th century buildings make this area a delightful architectural haven of courtyards and interiors.

 

Dowgate saw the founding of the Bible Society 1804 and the British Communist Party in 1920 and although there is a predominance of offices in this area there is still room for innovation, but no party politics please.