The girder is from World Trade Center One

The piece of metal was recovered from Ground Zero and is part of a commemoration of people with UK connections who died in the attacks.

It was given to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell by the New York Mayor's office to be used in the 11 September Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square.

The US Embassy overlooks the area, which has been called American Square.

After the Twin Towers terror attacks, mourners gathered in the square to lay flowers and candles at the US President Roosevelt Memorial.

Anniversary opening

The girder - part of World Trade Center One - was buried beneath a stone plaque which bears the text of the poem For Katrina's Sun-dial, by American Henry Van Dyke.

The poem was read at the first memorial service for the terror attacks at Westminster Abbey in November 2001.

The actual garden will not be opened until the second year anniversary - September 11, 2003 - and will feature an oak pergola and small pavilion.

All those with British connections who died will have their names inscribed on three bronze plaques in front of the pavilion.