The plaque says
'This seat is a Tribute to the Memory of
WILLIAM BAREFOOT
1872 - 1941
He loved nature and his efforts to
beautify Woolwich are reflected in
the creation of this Pleasaunce.
The Friends arranged for the plaque to be restored in 2010, removing the graffiti and having it re-lettered. The group also paid for the sundial to be repaired and a new sundial re-attached to the Tudor plinth.
It was originally unveiled in September 1942, Barefoot having died the previous November. He had been a member of the council for 33 years and Mayor of the borough of Woolwich (which then included Eltham) from 1925 - 7. At the unveiling ceremony, it was said that the Pleasaunce was largely a creation of Councillor Barefoot, who had laboured strenuously for the good of local people. Lord Snell of Plumstead, speaking at the ceremony, said: "Councillor Barefoot was a great leader, a valiant fighter and a generous opponent." Councillor Barefoot was born in Frances Street, Woolwich, spent his early married life in Griffin Street, Plumstead before moving to Spencer Gardens.
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