Chapter XV: Introduction (8)

The 19th of August, 1833, is notable in the Vauxhall annals as the benefit night of old Simpson, for more than thirty-six years Master of the Ceremonies at the gardens, and himself one of the sights and institutions. He was a man of short stature and his plain face was pitted with the smallpox, but his manner and dress made ample amends. He wore a shirt with an enormous frill, a coat of antique cut, and black silk knee-breeches and hose. In his uplifted left hand he carried his tasselled and silver-headed cane, and with his right raised his hat to every one he met, as a welcome to the Royal Property. His habitual attitude has been immortalised by Cruikshank and he was exhibited (from 1833) in the gardens in coloured lamps--an immense effigy, forty-five feet high. Simpson’s Vauxhall Addresses and his letters to newspaper editors were masterpieces of florid humility. To the editor of _The Times_ he wrote to say that he had given directions that the illustrious editor’s “much-beloved family” were to be admitted “to any number” at the Vauxhall Juvenile Fêtes--a communication which amused Thomas Barnes who had no children. Simpson died, almost in office, on 25 December, 1835, after expressing a wish that the managers of the Royal Gardens would dispose as they deemed fit of his “humble body.” Thackeray calls him “the gentle Simpson, that kind, smiling idiot.”[358]

In 1836 the gardens were open in the day-time, but Vauxhall by daylight, as “Boz” observed, is “a porter-pot without porter; the House of Commons without the Speaker; a gas-lamp without gas.” Ballooning was the chief feature of these afternoon fêtes.[359] On 7 November, 1836, Charles Green, accompanied by Monck Mason and Robert Hollond, M.P., ascended from the gardens at 1.30 P.M. in the balloon, afterwards named “the Nassau,” and descended next morning near Weilburg in the Duchy of Nassau after a voyage occupying eighteen hours.[360] On 24 July, 1837, Green, Edward Spencer, and Robert Cocking ascended in a balloon with a parachute attached, and Cocking in descending in the parachute was killed.

In 1839 the proprietorship of Gye and Hughes came to an end, and Vauxhall was closed in 1840. The gardens were again open in July 1841 with Alfred Bunn as stage-manager. During this season Bunn and “Alfred Crowquill” published at the gardens their amusing series of _Vauxhall Papers_, “a daily journal published nightly, every other evening, three times a week.”[361] The Ravel Family and Ducrow’s horsemanship were among the attractions of this season, which came to an end on 8 September, when the announcement was made that Vauxhall would “positively close its doors for ever.”

On 9 September (1841) the gardens were offered for sale by auction, but were bought in at 20,000 pounds. The furniture and fittings were, however, disposed of at this time, notably, twenty-four of the paintings by Hayman, which realised sums from £1 10s. to £9 15s. Four busts of the celebrated Simpson were sold for half-a-crown apiece.

From 1842 till the final closing of the gardens, galas, masquerades, and a great variety of entertainments were advertised in bold letters of many colours, but Vauxhall was now rapidly declining. In 1845, Musard conducted Promenade Concerts, and in that year and during most of the years following, Mr. Robert Wardell was the lessee. In 1846, gas lamps took the place of the oil lamps, and about this time the musicians in the orchestra ceased to wear the cocked hats that had long been their characteristic head-dress. In 1849, there was a Grand Venetian Carnival, and 60,000 lamps were advertised.

In October 1853, when the annual license for the Royal Gardens was applied for, great complaints were made of the nuisance caused by the bals masqués which lasted from 11 P.M. till 5 or 6 A.M., and were frequented by many disreputable characters. The license was renewed on the somewhat easy conditions that the fireworks should not be let off after eleven, and that the gardens should close at three in the morning. In 1858, Mr. R. Duffell was the director. Monster galas were announced, and the gardens were opened on Sundays for a promenade.

Monday, 25 July, 1859, witnessed the last entertainment at Vauxhall Gardens. One of the vocalists at the concert then given was Mr. Russell Grover, who died lately, in April 1896. After the concert and the equestrian performances in the Rotunda, dancing was continued till past midnight: the fireworks displayed the device _Farewell for Ever_, and Vauxhall was closed.

On 22 August following, the auctioneer ascended his rostrum in the gardens at noon and announced that the site had been let for building, and that all the property on the premises must be sold. Three “deal painted tables with turned legs,” made for the gardens in 1754, went for nine shillings each. The dancing platform realised fifty guineas, the ballet theatre seventeen guineas, and the orchestra ninety-nine pounds. The pictures that still remained in the supper boxes were purchased by Edward Tyrrell Smith, who placed them in the Banqueting Hall at Cremorne. The whole sale realised about £800.

The builders soon went to work upon the twelve acres of Vauxhall Gardens, and in 1864 the church of St. Peter, Vauxhall, erected on part of the site, was consecrated. Numerous streets of small houses have for many years completely obliterated all traces of the gardens, the boundaries of which, it is, however, interesting to trace. The western boundary is marked by the present Goding Street, and the eastern by St. Oswald’s Place. Leopold Street and a small portion of Vauxhall Walk define their northern limit, and Upper Kennington Lane marks their southern extent. The space within these boundaries is occupied by Gye Street, Italian Walk, Burnett Street, Auckland Street, Glynn Street, and part of Tyers Street,[362] and also by St. Peter’s Church and the Lambeth District School of Art.

As late as 1869 “the Supper Colonnade of Vauxhall” was advertised to be sold cheap,[363] and with this prosaic detail of our own time, we must perforce take leave of the pleasure gardens of a past century.

AUTHORITIES AND VIEWS.

The literary and pictorial matter available for a history
of Vauxhall Gardens is almost inexhaustible and, except in
a monograph, it would be impossible to set forth a detailed
list of authorities and views. The present sketch is primarily
based on the materials furnished by an extensive collection
in the writer’s possession, consisting of views, portraits,
songs, bills, and cuttings from newspapers and magazines, and
covering the period 1732–1859. Among many other authorities that
have been consulted, the following may be mentioned:--Pepys’s
_Diary_: _A Sketch of the Spring Garden, Vauxhall_ (by John
Lockman, 1753?); _A Description of Vauxhall Gardens_, London, S.
Hooper, 1762 (Guildhall Library, London); Kearsley’s _Stranger’s
Guide_ (1793?); _Sale Catalogues of Vauxhall Gardens_, 1818
(Brit. Mus.) and 1841 (W. Coll.); _A Brief Historical and
Descriptive Account of the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall_, 1822; _The
Vauxhall Papers_, 1841; the histories of Lambeth and Surrey; W.
H. Husk in Grove’s _Dict. of Music_, art. “Vauxhall Gardens”;
Austin Dobson’s _Eighteenth Century Vignettes_, 1st ser. p. 230,
ff.; Cunningham’s _Handbook of London_; Wheatley’s _London Past
and Present_; Walford, vi. 447, ff.; Blanchard in _Era Almanack_
for 1870, p. 9, ff.

INDEX

A

Abel, musician, 244

Abernethy, John, 73

Abrahams, Master, 50

Adam and Eve Tea Gardens, St. Pancras, 125–128

Adam and Eve Tea Gardens, Tottenham Court, 77–80

Adams, Master, 243

“Aeriel,” The, 320

Aitken, 243

Alexandra Theatre, 165

Alford, 65

Allen, Capt., 307

Amelia, Princess, 18

Anderson, Miss, 65

Angelo, 213

Angling, 45, 46, 68, 81 f., 168, 170

Apollo Gardens, 266, 268–270, 276

Apollo Saloon, 115, 116

Armstrong, John, 124

Arne, Dr., 96, 104, 106, 210, 250, 303

Arne, Michael, 96, 97, 310

Arne, Mrs., 291, 304

Arnold, Dr. Samuel, 103–106

Arrowsmith, 310

Arundel House, 247

Assembly House, Kentish Town, 129, 130

B

Baddeley, Robert, 108, 243

Baddeley, Mrs., 213, 243, 310

Bagnigge Wells, 56–67

Baker, Jo., drummer, 41

Baker, Mr., instrumentalist, 34

Baker, Mr., vocalist, 97, 242

Bannister, Charles, 104–106, 213

Bannister, Mrs. John, 105

Barley Mow Tea House and Gardens, 153

Barnes, Thomas, of _The Times_, 320

Barnshaw, 242–244

Barras, Joseph, 75

Barrett, Bryan, 316

Barrett, George Rogers, 316

Barthelemon, F. H., 104, 106, 311

Barthelemon, Mrs., 104, 106

Bartholomew, Christopher, 134

Bartholomew, Robert, 131, 132

Bartolozzi, 213, 214

Bascom, Charles, 261

Bate, “Parson”: _see_ Dudley, Sir H. B.

Bateman, Mrs., 52

Bates, Joah, 243, 244

Bath, Mr., 158

Battishill, Jonathan, 268

Batty’s Circus, 139

Bayswater Tea Gardens, 117–119

Beard John, 95, 103, 208, 209

Beauclerk, Lady Sydney, 254

Beaufoy, Messrs., 254, 256, 257

Bedford, Paul, 319

Bell Tavern, Kilburn, 194, 195

Belsize House, 189–193

Belvedere House and Gardens, Lambeth, 261, 262

Belvidere Tea Gardens, Pentonville, 145, 146

Belzoni, 52

Bennet, Mr., 41

Bennet, Mrs., 54

Bennett, Miss Maria, 251

Bermondsey Spa Gardens, 231–237

Bethlehem Hospital, 276

Bevis, John, 57

Billington, Mrs., 310

Binley, Mr., 269

Birkett, 233

Bish, T., 316

Bishop, Sir H., 319

“Black Prince,” The, Newington Butts, 278

“Black Queen” Coffee House and Tea Gardens, Shacklewell, 173

Blackmore, 138, 314

Bland, Mrs., 50, 136, 137, 312

Blewitt, C., 233

Blewitt, Jonas, 232

Bliss, John, 182

Blogg, Mr., 34, 68, 70

Blondin, 165

Body, W., 40

Bologna family, 51

Boodle’s Club, 216

Booth, Mr., 65

Booth, “General,” 86

Bowen, Jemmy, 178

Bowles, Mr., 137

Bowling Green House, 75, 76

Box, Mr., 65

Boyan, Mr., 65

Boyce, Dr., 101

Boyle, Robert, 29

Braham, 50, 319

Bray, Mrs., 41

Breach, Mr., 139

Brent, Mr., 209

Brent, Miss, 103, 104, 210, 304

Brewster, 243

Bridge, organ-builder, 95, 248

Brila family, 34

Bristow, W., 172

Broughton’s Amphitheatre, 80

Brown, Abram, 208

Brown, Mr., at the “Three Hats,” 150

Brown, Master, vocalist, 103

Brown, Thomas, 258, 259

Bryant, Mr., 139

Bull Feathers Hall, 145

Bunn, Alfred, 322

Burchell, Miss Isabella, 304: _see also_ Vincent, Mrs.

Burgess, Henry, jun., 249

Burling, Mr., 233

Burney, Dr. Charles, 202, 209

Burton, Mr., 233

Busby, Christopher, 145

Busby’s Folly, 145

Butler, organist, 202

Byfield, 202

Byrn, Mrs., 233

Byrne, James, 50

Byrne, Oscar, 50

C

Caillot, 105, 108, 213, 215

Calvert, Mrs., 105

Camberwell Grove House: _see_ Grove House, Camberwell

Canning, George, 226, 228

Canonbury House Tea Gardens, 154, 155

Cantrell, Miss, 243

Caporale, 209

Carey, George Saville, 108

Carey, Master, 51

Carli, Miss, 243

Carlyle’s “Diamond Necklace,” quoted, 267

Carpenter, Lady Almeria, 208

Carter, Mrs., 201, 272

Carter, Messrs. W. H. and J. R., 238

Cartwright, Mrs., 105

Castle Inn and Tea Gardens, Colebrooke Row, 147

Caston, Robert, 187

Catches and Glees, 102, 106, 210, 310

Catley, Anne (“Nan”), 101, 105

Cavanagh, John, 157, 158

Cave, vocalist, 116

Cemmitt, Miss, 233

Chabert, 136

Chad’s Well: _see_ St. Chad’s Well

Chalk Farm, 10

Chambers, Mrs., 97

Chambré, Sir Allen, 72

Champness, 97, 210

Chapman, G. R., 238

Chapman, Richard, 65

Chatterton, Thomas, 104

Charke, Mrs. Charlotte, 35

Cheere, Henry, 302

Cheney, Master, 104

Cherokee Indians, 220

Chinese Junk, 260

Cibber, Colley, 35, 147

Cipriani, 213, 214

Claggett, Walter, 268, 270

Clanfield, 41, 104, 105

Clark, Mrs., at Finch’s Grotto, 243

Clarke, Miss, rope-dancer, 138

Clarke, Mr., at Finch’s Grotto, 243

Clennell, Luke, 61

Clifford, Master, 65

Clitherow, 105, 213, 253

Coan, John, 146, 220, 221

Coates, “Romeo,” 312

Cobham, Lord, 18

“Cobham’s Head,” 68, 69

Cocking, Robert, 322

Cocklin, violinist, 243

Cold Bath near the “Adam and Eve,” 79, 80

Collett, Mrs., 101

Collier, Mrs., 170

Collins, Benjamin, 154

Collins, Sam (Samuel Vagg), 109

Colman, G., 214

Coningham, equestrian, 150, 151

Cooke, equestrian, 319

Copenhagen House, 156–160

Corelli, 105, 248, 250

Cornelys, Mrs., 27, 96, 213

Costello, 51

Costellow, organist, 269

Cox’s Museum, 106

Coxwell, Henry, 135

Craven, William, 25–27

Cremorne Gardens, 11, 324

Cricket, 131, 159, 302

Crofts, Capt., 307

Cromwell House, Brompton, 225–227

Cromwell’s Gardens, Brompton, 225–228

Crosier, Joseph, 281

Cruikshank, George, 134

Culver, Mr., 105

Cumberland, Duke of, 35, 98, 251

Cumberland Tea Gardens, Vauxhall, 281, 283–285

Cuper, Boyder, 247

Cuper, John, 247

Cuper’s Gardens, 40, 41, 181, 194, 247–257, 258, 261

Cupid’s Gardens, 248, 249, 252

Curtis, William, botanist, 264

D

Dalton, James, 127

Darking, Mr., 65

Darley, Mr., 312, 316, 317

Davis, “Jew,” 50

Davis, John, 58, 62

Davis, Miss, vocalist, 101, 103

Dearle, Mr., 210, 242, 244

Defesch, 97

“Denbies” at Dorking, 305

D’Eon, the Chevalier, 216

Desaguliers, Dr., 280

Devil’s House, Holloway, 167, 168

Dibdin, C., 50, 106, 210, 212, 213

Dibdin, Thomas, 50

Dickie, 65

Dighton, 50

Dignum, Charles, 312, 313

Dingley’s, Islington, 148

Diving at Ranelagh, 217

Dobney, Mrs. Ann, 141

Dobney’s Bowling Green, 141–144

Dodswell, George, 30

Dog and Duck, 263, 264, 269, 271–277, 280

Dominique, Mr., 34

Donaldson, Mrs., 97

Dorman, Mrs., 104, 243, 244

Dowson, Miss, 243, 244

Drury, General, 97

Dubellamy, 106

Dubois, 51

Duck-hunting, 271

Ducking Pond House, 25

Ducrow, 319, 322

Dudley, Sir Henry Bate, Bart., 307, 308

Duffield, R., 324

Dunn, John, 139

Duval, Claude, 167

Dwarf’s Tavern, Chelsea, 146, 220, 221

E

Eagle Tavern, 11, 86, 87

Eaton, Charles, 127

English Grotto, Rosoman Street, 37–39

Espagnole, La Belle, 50

Esser, Miss, 105

Evans, Ephraim, 248, 249

Evans, Mrs., 249 ff.

Evelyn, John, 286, 287

Exeter Change, 243, 263

F

Falkner, Miss M. A., 96

Fawcett, Mr., 168

Fawcett, vocalist, 210

Feathers Tavern, Cuper’s Gardens, 247 ff.

Ferrand, Mr., 96

Festing, Michael, 208

Fielding, Sir John, 61, 96

Finch, Thomas, 241 ff.

Finch’s Grotto Gardens, 241–246

Fisher, violinist, 106

Fitzherbert, George Robert, 307

Fitzherbert, Mrs., 216

Fives-playing at Copenhagen House, 157

Flack, Mr., 269

Fleet River, 61, 64

Flora Tea Gardens, Bayswater, 117, 119

Flora Tea Gardens, Westminster Bridge Road, 265

Floranze, Mme., 233

Florida Gardens, Brompton, 225–228

“Folly, The,” on the Thames, 248, 258–260

Foote, Samuel, 214

Forbes, Mrs., 103–105, 243

Forcer, Francis, sen., 46, 47

Forcer, Francis, jun., 46, 47

“Forge of Vulcan,” 105 ff.

Formantel, Miss, 209

Foster, Mr., 65

Foster, Mrs., 105

“Fountain” Tavern, Baldwin Street, 85

Fountayne, Dr. John, 98, 100

Franklin, Mrs., 312: _see also_ Leary, Miss

Frasi, Giulia, 208

Frederick Prince of Wales, 291

Freeman, Mrs., 233

Froud, Miss, 103

G

Gainsborough, Earl of, 177

Gambling, 16, 17, 75, 94, 180, 181, 190, 260

Garnerin, 217, 321

Garrick, 214

Garth’s _Dispensary_, 177

Garvey, Miss, 243

Genovini, Carlo, 220

George (IV.), Prince of Wales, 215, 216, 238, 308, 312, 316

Gibbons, Dr., 177

Gibbons, Mrs., 101

Gibbs, 65

Gibson, 65

Giovanelli, Edward, 164, 165

Glanville, Thomas, 97

Glindon, 116

Gloucester Lodge, Brompton, 228

Gloucester, Maria Duchess of, 227

Goldsmith, Oliver, 133, 134, 154, 161, 162, 201

“Goldsmith’s Arms,” Southwark, 246

Goodwin, Sterling, 244, 280

Gordon Riots, 185

Gough, Daniel, 95

Graham, Mr., 135

Graham, Mrs., 52, 117, 135

Granby, Lord, 222

Granom, Lewis, 251

Gray, Thomas, 200, 201

Greatorex, Mr., 80

Grecian Saloon, 86

Green, Charles, 135, 321, 322

Green, Master, vocalist, 243, 244

Grey’s Fantoccini, 319

Griffith, Charles, organist, 58

Grimaldi, Giuseppe, 48

Grimaldi, Joseph, 50

Grist, Mr., 267

Gronamann, Sibilla, 250

Grotto Garden, Rosoman Street, 37–39

Grove House, Camberwell, 10, 164

Grover, Russell, 324

Guidot, Dr. Thomas, 43

Gwynne, Nell, 56, 58, 64

Gye, F., 291, 316, 322

H

Hagley, William, 263

Haile, General, 311

Hale House, Brompton, 225–227

Halhed, John, 29

Halifax, Earl of, 96, 97

Hamilton, John, 65

Hampstead Wells, 177–183

Hampton, John, 119, 135

Handel, G. F., 68, 98, 102, 106, 243, 244, 248, 250, 293, 303

Hardy, Mr., 22

Harper, Miss, 105

Harrington, Mrs., 157

Harris, John, M.P., 245

Harriss, Mr., 232, 233

Hart, N., teacher of dancing, 281

Hartley, Mrs., 307

Hasse, Sig., 250

Hawkins, Sir John, 21

Haydn, 269

Hayman, Francis, 303, 318, 322

Hedger, Mr., 273 ff.

Hengler, 318

Hercules Pillars, Fleet Street, 248

Herryman, Mr., 103

Hiem, R., 226, 227

Highbury Barn, 161–166

Highbury Society, The, 157, 161

Hill, Sir John, 117, 205, 207

Hinton, Archibald, 164

Hinton, John, 164

Hogarth, 53, 80, 290, 291, 294, 302

Holland, John, 20, 21

Hollond, Robert, M.P., 321

Hood, Mr., 54

Hook, James, 103–106, 309, 310

Hornsey Wood House, 169–171

House of Detention, 40, 42

Howard, John, 21, 22

Howell, James, 189, 191

Hudson, Mr., at Ranelagh House, 210

Hudson, Mrs., at Vauxhall, 310

Hudson, Robert, organist, 243

Hughes, Mr., of Bagnigge Wells, 57, 62

Hughes, Charles, equestrian, 150, 151, 226

Hughes, R., 316, 322

Hunting at Belsize House, 190–192

Huntingdon, Countess of, 27

Hyat, Miss, 101

I

Iliff, Mrs., 269

Incledon, Charles, 216, 310

Ireland, Mr., 280

Isaacs, Miss Rebecca, 165

Islington Spa, 15–24

J

Jack Straw’s Castle, Hampstead, 186

Jackson, of the Grotto Garden, 37, 38

Jameson, Miss, 310

Jenny’s Whim, Pimlico, 222–224

Jew’s Harp House, 113, 114

Jews’ Spring Garden, 88

Johnson, Dr. Samuel, 107, 201, 203, 254, 272, 305

Johnson, Thomas, equestrian, 142, 148, 220

Johnson, Mr., of “Dobney’s,” 141

Johnson’s Prospect House: _see_ Dobney’s Bowling Green

Jonas, Philip, 143, 145

Jones, William, architect, 199

Jones, hornpipe dancer, 34

Jones, Welsh harper, 248

Jordan, Mrs., 215

Jubilee Gardens, Pentonville: _see_ Dobney’s Bowling Green

K

Kean, Edmund, 51

Kear, 97, 242, 243

Keeble, organist, 202

Keefe, Mr., 280

Kelly, Mr., 307

Kemp, William, 81 ff.

Kennedy, Mrs., 310

Kenrick, Dr., 108

Kentish Town Assembly House, 129, 130

Kerman, Madam, 34

Keyse, Thomas, 231 ff.

Kilburn Wells, 194–196

King, Erasmus, 280

King’s Bench Prison, 276

Knerler, Mr., 96

L

Lacy, patentee of Drury Lane, 199

Lambert, George, 128

Lambeth Wells, 279, 280

Lamotte, Mme., 267

Lampe, Mr., 96

Lampe, Mrs., 50, 101

Lane, James, 154

Langley, John, 15

Lauder, Mr., 242

Leader, Mr., 157

Leary, Miss, 310, 312

Leaver, Mrs., 269

Le Mœurs, 65

Leeming, Joseph, 320

Leeming, Robert, 68

Legg, Mr., 101

Leotard, 165

Lewis, Mr., of Restoration Gardens, 263

Lloyd, Mrs., 170

London Corresponding Society, 158

London Spa, 29–32

Long, Robert, 101

Long’s Bowling Green, 94

Longuemare, 314, 318

“Lord Cobham’s Head,” 68, 69

Lord, Thomas, 132

Love, Mr., 116

Lowe, Thomas, 50, 97, 101–103, 242, 243, 291, 295, 304, 308

Lucas, William, 73

Lunardi, Vincent, 78

Lyon, Master, vocalist, 243

M

Macklin, 52

Maddox, Michael, 48

Mallinson, 319

Mara, Mme., 216

Marble Hall, Vauxhall, 281, 282

Marinari, G., 215

Marriages at Sion Chapel, Hampstead, 178, 180

Marshall, Miss, 243

Martin, Edward, 123

Martin, the “Tunbridge Knight,” 18

Martyr, Mrs., 310

Marylebone Gardens, 40, 93–110

Marylebone Music Hall, 109

Marylebone Spa, 108

Mason, Monck, 321, 322

Masters, Elizabeth, 290

Mattocks, Mr. and Mrs., 250

May-dance, 30, 115

Maze, at New Georgia, 188;
at White Conduit House, 135

McDougal, Mr., 65

Mensall, Mr., 73

Merlin’s Cave, Clerkenwell, 54, 55

Merlin’s Cave at the New Wells, 34, 54;
at Richmond, 54

Mermaid Gardens, Hackney, 10

Miles, James, 46, 47

Miles, Mr., 273

Miles’s Music House, 46, 47

Mills, Mr., 273

Milton, statue of, 302

Milward, Mr., 233

Misaubin, “Dr.,” 18

Molloy, Mr., 22

Monconys, 287

Monkhouse, Mr., 65, 137

Montagu, Lady M. W., 20

Montpelier Gardens, Walworth, 10

Moore, Mr., 173

Moore, at Finch’s Grotto, 242

Morland, George, 153

Morland, Sir Samuel, 287

Mortram, 318

Mother Huff’s, Hampstead, 180

“Mount Etna” at Ranelagh, 215, 216

Mount Gardens: _see_ Flora Tea Gardens, Westminster Bridge Road

Mountain, Mr. and Mrs., 312

Moyse, Miss, 101, 243

Mozart, 210

Mulberry Garden, 1

Mulberry Garden, Clerkenwell, 40–42

Munden, 72, 311

Murphin, 243

Musard, 322

N

Nassau balloon, 322

Natator, the man frog, 165

Negus, Mr., 66

Nepecker, Mr., 243

New Georgia, Hampstead, 187, 188, 222

New Spring Gardens, Chelsea, 221

New Spring Garden, Vauxhall (Vauxhall Gardens), 78, 286, 287

New Tunbridge Wells: _see_ Islington Spa

New Wells, near the London Spa, 33–36, 40

Newington Butts, 278

Newland, Abraham, 134

North, Lord, 214

Northampton Chapel, 27

O

Oakes, Miss, 243

Oakman, J., 232

“Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day,” B. Thornton’s, 209

Offield, Mr., 242

Old Spring Garden, Vauxhall, 286, 287

Oldcastle: _see_ Sir John Oldcastle

Oldfield, Mr., 242

Onslow, Arthur, 113

Orange Theatre, 219

Orchard, Robert, 158

O’Rourke, Paddy, 65

Oswald, 209

Ozealey, 65

P

Paddy O’Rourke, 65

Paine, Thomas, 115

Palmer, flute-player, 243

Pancras Wells, 123–126

Pandean Band, 135

Pantheon, Oxford Street, 25, 268

Pantheon, Spa Fields, 25–28, 143

Park, hautboy player, 103

Parry, harper, 208

Parson Bate: _see_ Dudley, Sir H. B.

Patagonian Theatre, 243

Pay, Miss, 233

Pearson, Mrs., 44

Peerless Pool, The, 81–85

Peile, Mr. and Mrs., 233

Penny’s Folly, 145, 146

Pepys, Samuel, 1, 2, 94, 189, 258, 286–288

Perceval, Rt. Hon. Spencer, 192

“Perillous Pond,” 81

Petersham, Lady Caroline, 298

Phelps, Samuel, 52

Phillips, Mr., 103, 106

Piercy, Mrs., 233

Pike, organ-builder, 242

Pinchbeck, 18, 291

Pinder a Wakefielde tavern, 56

Pinto, Mrs., 104: _see also_ Brent, Miss

Pinto, Thomas, 103, 104, 250

Piquenit, 104

Placido, 51

Plenius, Miss, 101

Pleyel, 269

Price, equestrian, 142, 148, 150

Prospect House: _see_ Dobney’s Bowling Green

Prynn, 65

Q

Queen’s Head and Artichoke, 111, 112

R

Racing, 51, 191, 236

Ramelio, Mme., 97

Ramo Samee, 319

Ranelagh, Earl of, 199

Ranelagh House and Gardens, described, 199–218;
origin of, 199 ff.;
Rotunda, 201 ff.;
entertainments and company, 203 ff.;
annals of, A.D. 1742–1769, 208 ff.;
history of, A.D. 1770–1805, 212 ff.;
allusions to, 34, 40, 266, 294

Ranelagh Regatta, 213

Rann, John, 60, 61, 67

Ravel Family, 322

Rawlins, Mr., dancer, 244

Raworth, Mr., 101

Rayner, Mr. Dove, 88

Rayner, Miss, 34, 35

Redigé, Paul, 50

Reed, Mrs., at Finch’s Grotto, 243

Reeves, Mons., 105

Reilly, Luke, 283

Reinhold, 97, 104–106, 214, 291

Restoration Spring Gardens, 263, 264

“Revenge,” Chatterton’s, 104

Reynolds, Sir J., 201, 214, 235

Reynoldson, 103

Rice, T. D., 139

Richer, wire dancer, 50

Rigby, Vernon, 165

“Riley’s” Gardens, Vauxhall, 283

Rippin, Dorothy, 177

Rivière, Lazare, 272

Roberts, Mr., 65

Robinson, George, vocalist, 319

Robinson, Sir Thomas, 40, 200, 212

Rockholt House, 40

Rodell, Mons., 106

Rogers, Samuel, 182, 205

Romanzini, Miss, 50: _see also_ Bland, Mrs.

Rose of Normandy tavern, 93, 94, 109

Rosemary Branch, Islington (Hoxton), 10

Rosherville Gardens, 11

Rosoman, Mr., 25, 33, 34, 47, 48

Rossi, 104, 215, 233

Roubillac, 302, 303

Rouse, R., 139

Rouse, T., 86

Royal Apollo Saloon, 115, 116

Royal Gardens, Vauxhall: _see_ Vauxhall Gardens

Royal Oak Lottery, 17

Rule, Rev. John, 147

S

Sadler, Mr., 43, 44

Sadler’s Wells, 15, 43–53, 124, 243

St. Chad’s Well, 72–74

St. George’s Spa: _see_ Dog and Duck

St. Helena Gardens, Rotherhithe, 238–240

St. Pancras Wells: _see_ Pancras Wells

Sainville, M., 216

Salter, Mr., of St. Chad’s Well, 72

Salter, Mr. (jun.?), of St. Chad’s Well, 73

Salter, Thomas, of Bagnigge Wells, 64

Samee, Ramo, 319

Sampson, equestrian, 142, 148–151, 273

Sampson, Mrs., 149, 150

Sandwich, Lord, 310

Saqui, Mme., 312–315

Scawen, Capt., 308

“Serva Padrona,” 97, 105, 106

Shacklewell, 173

Shaftoe, Charlotte, 274

Shakespeare Tavern and Jubilee Gardens: _see_ Dobney’s Bowling Green

Sharp, J. W., 319

Sharp and Warren, Messrs., 135

Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham, 94

“Shepherd and Shepherdess,” 85–87

Sherratt, John, 95

Siamese Twins, 165

Sibilla, Signora, 250

Simpson, Mr., at Bagnigge Wells, 65

Simpson, C. H., of Vauxhall Gardens, 319, 320, 322

Sion Chapel, Hampstead, 178

“Sir John Oldcastle” Tavern, 70, 71

“Sixteen Strings Jack”: _see_ Rann, John

Skeggs, Mr., 209

Sloman, Charles, 65, 139

Smart, Christopher, 104

Smart, violinist, 243, 244

Smeisser, G., 195

Smith, A., at Finch’s Grotto, 243, 244

Smith, Edward Tyrrell, 165, 324

Smith, H., 65

Smith, J. T., 234 f., 254

Smith, Miss, vocalist, 101

Smith, Mrs., at Finch’s Grotto, 243

Smith, Thomas, at Finch’s Grotto, 243

Smith’s Tea Gardens, Vauxhall, 283

Snell, Hannah, 35

Snow, Sophia, 243

Snow, Valentine, 243, 303

Soame, Dr. John, 181

Southby, 318

Spa Fields Chapel, 27

Spaniards, The, Hampstead, 184–186

Spencer, Edward, 322

Spinacuti, 50

Spring Garden, Charing Cross, 1, 286

Spring Gardens, Chelsea, 221

Spring Gardens, Knightsbridge, 221

Spring Garden, The New, Vauxhall, 78

Spring Garden, Stepney, 88, 89

Spring Garden, Stoke Newington, 172

Spring Gardens, Vauxhall (Vauxhall Gardens), 286 ff.

Squibb, Mr., 101

Stanesby, Mr., 96

Staples, William, 184

Star and Garter Tavern, Chelsea, 220, 221

Steevens, George, 107

Stephens, Miss, 319

Stephenson, Miss, Bermondsey Spa, 233

Stepney Spring Garden, 88, 89

Stevenson, Miss, Vauxhall Gardens, 295, 304

Stock, W., 64

Stoke Newington Spring Garden, 172

Storace, 97, 101

Storer, Mrs., 209

Strologer, Master, 68

Strombolo House, Chelsea, 219

Suett, Master (Dick Suett), 243

Surrey Zoological Gardens, 11

Sutton, Mr., 65

Sutton, Mrs., 154

Swift, Jonathan, 288

Swinnerton, G., 128

Sydney Gardens, Bath, 270

T

Talbot, Miss, 272

Tate, Mr., 153

Taylor, Mr., 101, 103

Taylor, Miss, 238

Taylor Mrs., 101, 243

Temple of Apollo: _see_ Apollo Gardens

Temple of Flora, 266–267

Tenducci, 210

Tenoe, Mr., 178

Tessier, 215, 233

Theobald, James, 261

Thomas, Giles, 185

Thomas, Miss, 105, 210, 243

Thompson, Mrs., 104–106, 213, 233

Thornton, Bonnell, 209

Thorogood, Mr., 65

Thrale, Mrs., 272

Three Hats, The, Islington, 148–152

Three Tuns Ale House, 75

Todd, Thomas, 217

Tooth, Mr., 158

Torré, 105–107

Townshend, Dr., 241

Trades Unionists in Copenhagen Fields, 160

“Treat, The,” Stepney, 89

Trelawny, Miss, 106

Trusler, Mr. John, 95, 101

Trusler, Dr. John, 97

Trusler, Miss, 95, 101

Tunstall, Miss, 116, 312

Turpin, Dick, 100

Tyers, Jonathan, 289, 290 ff.

Tyers, Jonathan, the younger, 305 ff.

Tyers, Thomas (“Tom”), 305

Tytler, J., 78

V

Vauxhall Affray, The, 307

Vauxhall Gardens, account of, 286–326;
allusions to, 34, 200, 201, 252, 269, 283, 284;
early history of, 286–289;
Ridottos at, 298, 308;
season-tickets, 290, 291, 294;
approaches to, 293 ff.;
the Cascade, 296, 318;
refreshments at, 296–300;
Grand Walk, Dark Walks, Lovers’ Walk, &c., described, 300–302,
318;
the boxes, 302, 303;
the Rotunda, 303, 314, 318;
concerts, 303, 304, 308–312, 319;
affrays and disorderly scenes at, 305–308, 312;
fireworks, 312 ff.

_Vauxhall Papers_, 322

Venning, Mrs., 238

Vernon, Admiral, 34, 96, 250

Vernon, vocalist, 214, 304, 308, 310

Vestris, Mme., 319

Victoria Tea Gardens, Bayswater, 119

Vincent, Mrs., 101, 304

W

Walpole, Horace, 200, 210, 222, 249, 294, 298, 308

Wardell, Robert, 323

Warner, Jemmy, 50

Watts, Joseph, 82, 84

Watts, Thomas, 82, 84

Waylett, Mrs., 319

Weichsell, Mrs., 304, 310

Wellington, Duke of, 312

Werner, harper, 103

Wesley, Rev. John, 36

Weston, of Drury Lane, 243

Wewitzer, Miss, 106, 310

White Conduit House, 131–140, 146, 162

White Conduit Loaves, 133

Wilde, Miss, 106

Wilder, Mr., 227

Wildman, Daniel, 143

Wilford, General R. R., 218

Wilkinson, Miss, 48

Williams, Mr., 241, 243 ff.

Williams, W. H., 319

Williams’s Grotto Gardens, 243 ff.

Willoughby, Mr., 162

Willoughby’s Tea Gardens, 162

Wingfield, Miss, 269

Wood, Miss, 238

Wood, Thomas, 129

Woolaston, Mrs., 306

Worgan, Dr. John, 303

World’s End, Knightsbridge, 221

Worman, Mr., 250

Wright, Miss, 210, 304

Wrighten, Mrs., 236, 310

Wynne, Sir W. W., 245

Y

Yates, Mr., 35

Yeates, Mr., 35, 36

York Buildings Music Meeting, 279

Yorkshire Stingo, The, 115–116

Young, Miss, 209

Z

Zucker, Mr., 145, 146

Zucker, Mrs., 145

THE END

_Richard Clay and Sons, Limited, London and Bungay._

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Some of the rarer items of the collection which it seemed desirable to cite as authorities are marked W. or W. Coll.

[2] Several London pleasure gardens were in existence _before_ the Restoration, the Mulberry Garden on the site of Buckingham Palace and the Spring Gardens at Charing Cross being well-known instances. But in the present volume only such seventeenth-century gardens as survived till the succeeding century are noticed.

[3] The English Grotto.

[4] Cp. _The Idler_, No. 15, July 1758.

[5] At Vauxhall fireworks were not introduced till 1798, but illuminations were always a feature of the gardens.

[6] Bermondsey Spa and Finch’s Grotto, above mentioned, might be classed among the spas and springs, but their amusements resembled those of Vauxhall.

[7] _Islington Wells, a song of all the virtues of those old waters newly found out._ London, 1684 (Brit. Mus.), cp. _A morning ramble; or Islington Wells burlesqt._ London, 1684 (Cunningham, _London_, 1850, s.v. “Islington”).

[8] _London Gazette_, 24 September, 1685.

[9] Nearly all modern writers--Mr. Pinks is an exception--have in some way or other confused Sadler’s Wells with New Tunbridge Wells (Islington Spa). The mistake may have first arisen from the circumstance that Sadler, in his printed prospectus concerning the discovery of the wells on his premises, describes them as “Sadler’s New Tunbridge Wells near Islington.” The sub-title of New Tunbridge Wells never, however, took root at Sadler’s, though it was soon permanently adopted (as is stated in our text) by the rival Islington Wells, _i.e._ Islington Spa.

[10] The following details are mainly derived from _Islington Wells, or the Threepenny Academy_, 1691, and from Edward Ward’s _Walk to Islington_, 1699, fol. (Ward’s _Works_, ii. 63, ff. ed. 1709).

[11] Ward describes the gambling places as an outhouse with sheds and a hovel adjoining.

[12] _Islington Wells, or the Threepenny Academy._

[13] Cp. E. Ward, “The Infallible Predictor” (_Works_, ii. p. 355, ed. 1709).

[14] An advertisement of 23 May, 1712 (Percival’s Sadler’s Wells announces the performances from six to ten in the morning and from four till eight in the evening of two wonderful posture-makers, a man and a child of nine, to take place in the dancing-room of New Tunbridge Wells.

[15] Extract from family correspondence communicated by C. L. S. to _Notes and Queries_, 8th ser. vi. 1894, p. 69.

[16] In 1760 the breakfasting was ninepence, the afternoon tea sixpence, and the coffee eightpence. No stronger beverages were sold.

[17] A serious attempt seems to have been made to keep this rule. The _London Daily Advertiser_ for 25 June, 1752, records that a beautiful though notorious woman, who had appeared at the dancing at New Tunbridge on June 24, was, on being recognised by the company, turned out by a constable.

[18] Dr. Russel, who analysed the water about 1733, says that it had a taste of iron and (unless mixed with common water) was apt to make the drinker giddy or sleepy. This was the experience of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who, however, expatiates on the benefit she had derived from the Spa.

[19] This was between the main part of the Spa gardens and St. John’s Street Road; cp. Wallis’s _Plan_, 1808.

[20] A band had played in the morning under Holland’s management (advertisement in the _Public Advertiser_, 5 May, 1775).

[21] Malcolm, _Lond. rediv._ iii. 230, 231.

[22] The orchestra connected with it was pulled down in 1827; Cromwell’s _Clerkenwell_, p. 357.

[23] No. 6, Eliza Place, stood on the site of the old entrance (Pinks).

[24] Mr. Philip Norman, writing in _Notes and Queries_, 8th ser. vi. 1894, p. 457, says:--“I have seen (in the cellar of No. 6, Spa Cottages, behind the house at the corner of Lloyd’s Row) grotto work with stone pilasters and on each side steps descending. Here, I believe, was the chalybeate spring. For many years it has ceased to flow.”

[25] _Daily Telegraph_, 1 August, 1895.

[26] A newspaper paragraph of April 1752, mentions the little summer house at the Ducking Pond House in Spa Fields, as being lately stripped of its chairs and tables by some pitiful rogues.

[27] In _The Macaroni and Theatrical Magazine_ for January 1773 (p. 162) is the notice:--

“Pantheons: The _Nobility’s_, Oxford Road; the _Mobility’s_, Spawfields.”

[28] The organ appears, about 1772, to have been silenced on Sundays, at least for a time. A correspondent in _The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser_ for 20 June, 1772, refers to the Middlesex Justices who will not suffer the organs to be played at the Little Pantheon, White Conduit House, Bagnigge Wells, &c.

[29] _May Day, or the Origin of Garlands_, a poem published in 1720. _The Field Spy_, published in 1714 (Rogers, _Views of Pleasure Gardens of London_, p. 46), speaks of the spring and garden as if a good deal frequented in 1714.

[30] A rare bronze ticket of oblong form, incised with the words, “London Spaw No. 19,” is in the possession of Mr. W. T. Ready, the London coin dealer. It may belong to about the middle of the last century.

[31] Rosoman Street was called after Mr. Rosoman, who about 1756 built the west side, which was then called Rosoman Row. Rosoman, who acted at the New Wells in 1744, was the well-known proprietor of Sadler’s Wells. Pinks (_Clerkenwell_) states that the houses numbered (in his time) 5 to 8 occupied the site of the Wells.

[32] The New Wells seem to have been already established in 1737. The earliest advertisement quoted in Pinks is of 1738, but there are earlier advertisements (W. Coll.), May to August 1737, in one of which reference is made to the alterations in the theatre that season.

[33] _Daily Post_, 3 July, 1742 (quoted in _Gent. Mag._ 1813, pt. ii. p. 561).

[34] Doran’s _London in Jacobite Times_, ii. pp. 148, 149.

[35] The English Grotto has escaped the minute research of Mr. Pinks, and his continuator Mr. Woods (cp. however, Daniel, _Merrie England_, i. chap. ii. p. 33). It is practically known only from the following views:--

(1) A view of the English Grotto, near the New River Head.
Chatelain del. et sculp. 1760. Crace, _Cat._ p. 591, No. 60
(cp. engraving (_circ._ 1760), without artist’s name, in W.
Coll.).

(2) The Grotto, near the New River Head, 1760. A drawing in
Indian ink. Crace, _Cat._ p. 590, No. 59.

(3) A water-colour copy of No. 1 by R. B. Schnebellie. Crace,
_Cat._ p. 591, No. 61.

[36] The continuator of Pinks (p. 740) quotes advertisements of 1769, without, however, specifying the newspapers referred to. J. T. Smith, _Book for a Rainy Day_, p. 70, refers to the Grotto Garden as being kept by Jackson in 1779. Pinks (p. 169) mentions the fountain and Grotto in 1780, and describes the site.

[37] Rockhoutt = Rockholt House in Essex.

[38] The legs referred to are those of Sir Thomas Robinson, the principal proprietor of Ranelagh, nicknamed Long Sir Thomas.

[39] The New Wells, Clerkenwell.

[40] Cuper’s Gardens, Lambeth.

[41] Newspaper advertisement in “Public Gardens” collection in Guildhall Library, London.

[42] Advertisement in _Daily Advertiser_, 8 July, 1745.

[43] Sadler originally advertised the place as “Sadler’s New Tunbridge Wells,” but it soon became known simply as Sadler’s Wells. On the confusion with the neighbouring New Tunbridge Wells (Islington Spa), _see_ Islington Spa, _supra_, note 3.

[44] About 1800 the forgotten well was accidentally re-discovered between the stage door and the New River.

[45] A poem by William Garbott, entitled the _New River_, published probably about 1725.

[46] _A new song on Sadler’s Wells_, set by Mr. Brett, 1740.

[47] The Sadler’s Wells anglers are mentioned in the _Field Spy_, a poem of 1714. The New River remained open until 1861–62 when it was covered in.

[48] A newspaper cutting in “Public Gardens” collection in Guildhall Library, records the death on 2 February, 1786, of Mrs. Bennet, of Merlin’s Cave, Spa Fields, who was the successor of her uncle, Mr. Hood.

[49] A view of the Merlin’s Cave at Richmond forms the frontispiece of _Gent. Mag._ 1735; on the cave, _see_ Walford’s _Greater London_, ii. 345, ff

[50] A square stone bearing the inscription given below was, about 1760, over an old gateway in the wall to the north of the Long Room, and was still there in 1843. In 1850 it was to be seen in Coppice Row, now Farringdon Road.

S T
THIS IS BAGNIGGE
HOUSE NEARE
THE PINDER A
WAKEFEILDE
1680.

The Pinder a Wakefielde (the modern representative of which stands near the old site in Gray’s Inn Road) was a tavern; and some writers have inferred from the above inscription that Bagnigge Wells itself was a place of entertainment as early as 1680.

[51] Over one of the chimney-pieces of the room was the garter of the order of St. George, in relief, and over another the bust of a woman in Roman dress, popularly supposed to represent Nell Gwynne. This bust was let into a circular cavity of the wall, bordered with festoons of fruit and flowers moulded in delft earth and coloured after nature. Owing to the number of visitors promenading in the Long Room to the hindrance of the waiters, the room was, before 1797, divided into two, though we are told that the “former elegance” remained.

[52] The organ and its organist (under Davis), Charley Griffith, are shown in an engraving “The Bagnigge Organfist” (undated). “Published for the benefit of decayed musicians.”

[53] _Picture of London_, 1802.

[54] “Bagnigge Wells,” a song in the _London Magazine_, June, 1759.

[55] Colman’s prologue to Garrick’s _Bon Ton_, 1775.

[56] This is made sufficiently clear in the _Sunday Ramble_ (1774, &c.); in the poem cited in the next note, and in Trusler’s _London Adviser_ (1786).

[57] _Bagnigge Wells_, an anonymous poem (1779).

[58] _The life of John Rann, otherwise Sixteen Strings Jack_, reprinted London, 1884; C. Whibley in _The New Review_, 1896, p. 222; cp. also the print “The Road to Ruin.”

[59] Sale Catalogue, 1813. (Copy in Brit. Mus.)

[60] A few years before 1891, these figures were in the possession of Dr. Lonsdale of Carlisle (Wheatley’s _London P. and P._).

[61] The temple (behind the Long Room) and the grotto to the north of it, were, as formerly, in the garden east of the Fleet. The western garden, previous to its curtailment, contained the rustic cottage nearly opposite the grotto, and the pond with its swan and Cupid fountain about the middle of the garden.

[62] For New Year’s day 1751, new fireworks in the Chinese manner were announced to take place at the Sir John Oldcastle (Pinks, p. 738). This was a special subscription entertainment. The regular open-air amusements appear to have come to an end in 1746.

[63] The Well at Battle Bridge (_i.e._ St. Chad’s) is mentioned with four other London Wells in the _Macaroni and Theatrical Magazine_ for January 1773, p. 162. A Mr. Salter was part proprietor of the Well for many years previous to 1798. His mind became deranged and on 17 July, 1798, he was found drowned in a pond in the garden of St. Chad’s (_The Courier_ for 18 July, 1798).

[64] Coull’s _St. Pancras_, p. 22.

[65] In the minutes of a Vestry Meeting in St. Giles’s parish, held in 1676, it is recorded that a meeting is appointed with the parishioners in St. Andrew’s, Holborn, about the Bowling Green in Gray’s Inn Fields and the houses near thereabouts built (F. Miller’s _St. Pancras_, p. 77).

[66] Malcolm’s _Manners and Customs of London_ (1811), p. 209.

[67] Barras’s advertisement is quoted in Palmer’s _St. Pancras_, p. 310.

[68] It was generally known as the Bowling Green House, but the sign of the inn appears to have been the Three Tuns, for in a plan of the new road from Paddington to Islington (_London Mag._ 1756), the place is marked as the Three Tuns Ale House and the Three Tuns Bowling Green.

[69] Malcolm in _Gent. Mag._ 1813, pt. 2, pp. 427–429. The Bowling Green House is marked in Horwood’s Plan C, 1799; in a map of 1806 in Lambert’s _London_, vol. iv., and in Wallis’s plan of 1808.

[70] Walford, v. 304, cites a newspaper advertisement of September 1718, announcing that “there is a strange and wonderful fruit growing at the Adam and Eve at Tottenham Court, called a Calabath, which is five feet and a half round, where any person may see the same gratis.”

[71] Cunningham’s _Handbook of London_ (1850), “Tottenham Court Road”; _see also_ Paxton’s _History of St. Giles’ Hospital and Parish_ (cited in F. Miller’s _St. Pancras_, p. 161), where similar fines for drinking at Tottenham Court are recorded for the year 1644.

[72] His first ascent was on 15 September, 1784. This was the first ascent in England, but it may be noted that Mr. J. Tytler had made an ascent from Edinburgh on 27 August, 1784.

[73] The _Morning Herald and Daily Advertiser_, Saturday, 14 May, 1785.

[74] See Horwood’s _Plan_, 1793.

[75] See Wallis’s _Plan_, 1808.

[76] Thus the grounds must at that time have covered the space now occupied by Eden Street and Seaton (formerly Henry) Street.

[77] There may be some exaggeration in this description (based on Wilkinson), for in the _Picture of London_, 1802, p. 370, the Adam and Eve is enumerated among the tea-gardens frequented by the middle classes, and is described as somewhat similar to the Jew’s Harp, with a small organ in the room upstairs where tea, wine and punch are served.

[78] Walford, v. 305.

[79] Stow’s _Survey_, p. 7 (ed. Thoms).

[80] At a depth of four feet was a bottom of “lettice” work under which the water was five feet deep.

[81] Watts’s building operations do not appear to have been completed till about 1811 or later (cp. Hughson’s _London_, iv. (1811), p. 414).

[82] Peerless Pool is mentioned in _The Picture of London_, 1829 (p. 370), as one of the principal public baths of London. Cunningham, _Handbook of London_, 1850, speaks of it as a then existing public bath. Mr. Hyde Clark writing in _Notes and Queries_ (7th Series, viii. 214, 215) for 14 September, 1889, says that “it continued to be used as a bath until comparatively late years.” I am informed that after the death of Joseph Watts, the Bath was carried on by his widow, Mrs. Watts, and by the sons, Thomas Watts of the British Museum and his brother. It seems to have been built over at some time between 1850 and 1860.

[83] The grounds originally extended on the north-east to a tavern called The Fountain, which was frequented by tea-parties:--

And there they sit so pleasant and cool,
And see in and out the folks walk about,
And gentlemen angling in Peerless Pool.

(Lines in Hone, _loc. cit._). There is now a public house called The Old Fountain at the east end of Baldwin Street. The Shepherd and Shepherdess (_q.v._) was close by on the other side of the City Road.

[84] Cp. Lewis’s _Islington_, p. 31, note 6, referring to August 1758.

[85] For the connexion of the Salvation Army with the Eagle, and for some details as to the history of the Eagle tavern and gardens see _The Times_ for 1882 (Palmer’s _Index_, under “Salvation Army,” June to September). On the Eagle _see also_ Dickens, _Sketches by Boz_ (Miss Evans and the Eagle); Hollingshead’s _My Lifetime_, i. p. 25, ff.; Ritchie’s _Night-side of London_ (1858); Stuart and Park, _The Variety Stage_, p. 35, ff. &c.; _Era Almanack_, 1869, p. 80; H. Barton Baker’s _The London Stage_, ii. p. 254, ff.; and a view of the garden in Rogers’s _Views of Pleasure Gardens of London_, p. 57.

[86] _The Post Man_, Oct. 3 to 6, 1702, has the advertisement “At Milend the garden and house called _the Jews Spring Garden_ is to be let. Enquire at Capt. Bendal’s at Milend” (_Notes and Queries_, 1st ser. ii. 463). Mr. Alexander Andrews (_ib._ 2nd ser. viii. 422) has shown that this Jews’ Spring Garden is in all probability to be identified with the Spring Garden marked in a map of Stepney parish of 1702.

[87] Rayner, Master of the Spring Garden at Stepney, died April 3, 1743, aged 70 (_London Daily Post_ for 6 April, 1743).

[88] _Low Life_ (1764), “Stepney Spring Gardens.”

[89] Dodsley’s _London_ (1761), s.v. “Stepney.” There are modern streets known as Garden Street and Spring Garden Place, but these are some distance _south_ of the Mile End Road, not far from St. Dunstan’s, Stepney.

[90] See Crace, _Cat._, p. 616, No. 80.

[91] “The back entrance was from the fields, beyond which, north, was a narrow winding passage, with garden palings on each side, leading into High Street” (Smith’s _Book for a Rainy Day_, p. 39).

[92] Pulled down in 1791. Devonshire Mews was built on the site.

[93] These lines, often erroneously attributed to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, occur in Pope’s _The Basset-table, an Eclogue_. The allusion in the second line is to Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham.

[94] Gough issued, 1738–9, silver tickets at 12_s._ each, admitting two persons for the season. In 1740 the silver season-ticket, admitting two, cost £1 1_s._ There are extant silver (or rather base silver) season tickets of 1766 (Wilkinson, _Londina_, vol. ii., last plate, No. 19) and of 1767 (Brit. Mus.). These later tickets, admitting two, cost £1 11_s._ 6_d._, or two guineas. There are copper tickets of 1770 (specimen in Brit. Mus.). In 1774 the ticket for two cost two guineas.

[95] The use of the old spelling which occurs in all the advertisements and contemporary notices must be conceded.

[96] J. T. Smith and several modern writers state that Trusler was proprietor in 1751. It would appear, however, from the newspapers that in 1754 John Sherratt was proprietor, and in May 1755 Mr. Beard was stated to have “lately taken the Gardens.” Trusler was undoubtedly manager from 1756–1763. He died before October 1766.

[97] Cp. _Vocal Melody_, Book iii. _A favourite collection of songs and dialogues sung by Master Arne and Miss Faulkner at Marybone Gardens, set by Mr. Arne._ Published 15 August, 1751, by J. Walsh, Catherine Street, Strand.

[98] The name is variously spelt; usually Falkner.

[99] See Trusler’s _Memoirs_, p. 63, ff.; cp. _Dict. Nat. Biog._, art. “Dunk, George Montagu, second Earl of Halifax,” 1716–1771.

[100] _The Servant Mistress, a burletta translated from the Italian._ Price 6_d._, printed at Marybone Gardens.

[101] Hone’s _Year Book_, pp. 500–503.

[102] Trusler’s _Memoirs_, p. 57.

[103] Two men were executed 15 June, 1763, at Tyburn for robbing, in Marybone Fields, the waiters belonging to Marybone Gardens.

[104] Indenture between Robert Long and Thomas Lowe, dated 30 August, 1763. The lease was for fourteen years. Trusler ceased to reside at the Gardens in 1764 when he went to Boyle Street, Saville Row, and Miss Trusler carried on business as a confectioner.

[105] The vocalists 1763–1767, besides Lowe, were--1763, Mrs. Vincent, Mrs. Lampe, Miss Catley, Miss Hyat, Miss Smith, Miss Plenius (1763?), and Mr. Squibb (Sig. Storace and Miss Catley had benefits); 1764, Mrs. Vincent, Mrs. Lampe, Miss Moyse, Miss Hyat, Mr. Squibb; 1765, Mrs. Vincent, Mrs. Collett, Miss Davis, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Legg; 1766, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Raworth, Mrs. Vincent, Miss Davis; 1767, Mrs. Gibbons.

[106] The vocalists in 1768 were Reynoldson, Taylor, Phillips, Miss Davis, Miss Froud.

[107] Performers in 1769: Pinto, leader; Hook; Park, hautboy. Vocalists, Mrs. Forbes, Miss Brent, Mr. Herryman, Mr. Reynoldson.

[108] Performers, 1770: Barthelemon (violin); Hook; Reinhold, Charles Bannister; Mrs. Thompson; Mrs. Barthelemon; Mrs. Dorman. It is well known that Thomas Chatterton the poet wrote a burletta called _The Revenge_, which he sold to the management of Marybone Gardens for five guineas. It was not published till 1795, when it was issued as _The Revenge, a burletta acted at Marybone Gardens, MDCCLXX._ In the Marybone Gardens’ advertisements of 1770 (and of later dates) no burletta bearing the name of _The Revenge_ appears, and the writer of the article “Chatterton” in _Dict. Nat. Biog._ thinks that the burletta must have been performed at some time subsequent to 1770, the year of Chatterton’s death. In _The Revenge_ as published, the _dramatis personæ_ are Jupiter, Mr. Reinhold; Bacchus, Mr. Bannister; Cupid, Master Cheney; Juno, Mrs. Thompson. Reinhold, Bannister, and Mrs. Thompson sang at the Gardens 1770–1773, and Cheney in 1770. I may add that a burletta called _The Madman_, performed at the Gardens in 1770, has a plot quite distinct from that of _The Revenge_.

[109] Performers, 1771: Hook; solo violin, Mons. Reeves; Charles Bannister; Mrs. Thompson; Miss Esser; Miss Harper (afterwards Mrs. John Bannister); Miss Thomas; and Miss Catley who sang “The Soldier tired of War’s Alarms”; “Sweet Echo,” from _Comus_ (the echo “sung by a young gentleman”), &c.

[110] According to J. T. Smith (_Rainy Day_, p. 52, n.), Torré was a print-seller in partnership with Mr. Thane, and lived in Market Lane, Haymarket. Other fireworkers at the Gardens at this period were Clitherow (1772); Clanfield (1772 and 1773); Caillot of Ranelagh (1773, 1775, 1776).

[111] Performers, 1772: Hook, organ; Charles Bannister, Culver, Reinhold, Mrs. Calvert, Mrs. Forbes, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Cartwright and Mrs. Thompson.

[112] On his own benefit night in July 1772, Torré gave a representation of Hercules delivering Theseus from Hell, in addition to the Forge of Vulcan.

[113] Performers, 1773: Charles Bannister; Reinhold; Phillips; Barthelemon (leader); Miss Wilde; Mrs. Thompson; Mrs. Barthelemon. “Mr. Dibdin, of Drury Lane Theatre,” was announced to sing in Barthelemon’s “La Zingara, or the Gipsy” on Barthelemon’s benefit night.

[114] Also on 13 June, 1774.

[115] Performers, 1774: Fisher (violin), Dubellamy, Reinhold; Mons. Rodell, “musician to the King of Portugal,” German flute; Miss Wewitzer, Miss Trelawny, Miss Wilde.

[116] A large printed bill referring to this entertainment is in the possession of Mr. H. A. Rogers, and is reproduced in his _Views of Pleasure Gardens of London_, p. 30.

[117] _Nollekens_, i. 33, chap. ii.

[118] At a bazaar held in the Portman Rooms, Baker Street, in 1887 (Nov. 22–26), for the benefit of the charities of Marylebone Church, an ingenious reproduction was attempted, under the direction of Mr. Thomas Harris, the architect, of the latticed alcoves, lamp-hung trees, &c., of the old Marybone Gardens (see _A Booke of ye olde Marybone Gardens_, 1887 (sold at the bazaar); _Daily Telegraph_ for 23 November, 1887).

[119] An account of the robbery and murder in 1808 of Mr. William Joachim in the Marylebone Fields mentions that he was on his way home to Lisson Grove, after a visit to the Jew’s Harp Tavern to see the skittle-playing (F. Miller’s _St. Pancras_, p. 238).

[120] Wheatley, _London Past and Present_, s.v. “Yorkshire Stingo,” states on the authority of Cooke’s _Old London Bridge_, p. 7, that a bridge designed by the celebrated Thomas Paine, being the second cast-iron bridge ever constructed, was brought to London in 1790 and set up in the bowling-green of the Yorkshire Stingo; it was afterwards taken back to Rotherham (where it had been made in 1789) and broken up in 1791.

[121] _The Picture of London_, 1802, p. 370, mentions the Yorkshire Stingo as a house many years celebrated for rustic sports on May Day.

[122] Newspaper cuttings in W. Coll.; cp. Hollingshead’s _My Lifetime_, i. 24, and _see also_ Stuart and Park, _The Variety Stage_, p. 38, who mention Cave and Glindon as the comic vocalists. The saloon, which was in the rear of the tavern, had a small but capable orchestra directed by Love, afterwards leader at the Princess’s Theatre under Charles Kean. Miss Tunstall of Vauxhall was at one time a singer there.

[123] Pulled down about 1895.

[124] Woodward’s _Eccentric Excursions_, p. 18.

[125] Before 1702.

[126] _The Country Journal, or the Craftsman_, 7 March, 1729–30. If an allusion in a pamphlet of 1735--_A seasonable examination of the pleas and pretensions of ... Playhouses erected in defiance of Royal Licence_ (London, printed for T. Cooper, 1735)--may be relied on, Pancras Wells had about that time some kind of (unlicensed) theatrical or “variety” entertainments resembling those of Sadler’s Wells.

[127] According to Roffe (_St. Pancras_), Pancras Wells occupied the south side of Church Hill from its base to its summit. Palmer in his _St. Pancras_, published in 1870, says the Well “is now enclosed in the garden of a private house, neglected and passed out of mind.”

[128] It is shown in the bird’s-eye view of Pancras Wells of 1730. In April 1731, James Dalton, a notorious footpad, robbed a linenpedlar at night near the Adam and Eve after drinking with him at the tavern (Pinks’s _Clerkenwell_, p. 549).

[129] _The Connoisseur_, 1754, No. 26.

[130] Five of these pier-glasses were stolen from the long room in 1778 (_London Evening Post_, 11–14 July, 1778).

[131] Advertisement of 1786 quoted in Clinch’s _Marylebone and St. Pancras_, p. 157.

[132] There are advertisements of the Adam and Eve issued (at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth century?) by G. Swinnerton, Junr. and Co., and by George Lambert (quoted in Walford, vol. v. p. 338). The _Picture of London_, 1805, mentions the Adam and Eve Tea-gardens, bowling-green, &c., but the conversion of the gardens into the cemetery (authorised by Act of Parliament in 1803) appears to have been already carried out in 1804.

[133] There is a mention of the inn in 1725: the Assembly Rooms were certainly in existence in 1750, and perhaps at an earlier date. The original sign of the inn appears to have been the Black Bull; see _Notes and Queries_, 1st ser. viii. p. 293; W. Elliot’s _Some Account of Kentish Town_ (1821), p. 65.

[134] The new or altered building contained the circular structure shown in so many views of the place.

[135] The White Conduit meadow long continued in use as a cricket ground. About 1784 and subsequently a club composed of gentlemen and men of rank played its matches there. Among the players were the Duke of Dorset, Lord Winchilsea, Lord Talbot, Col. Tarleton, and Thomas Lord, who afterwards established the Marylebone Cricket Club.

[136] A poem by W. W[oty] printed in the _London Chronicle_, 1760, vol. vii. p. 531.

[137] “White Conduit Loaves” was a London cry till about 1825.

[138] Forster’s _Life of Goldsmith_; cp. Goldsmith’s _Citizen of the World_, Letter 122.

[139] “An Awkward Position,” a painting by A. Solomon, depicts the situation. This was exhibited in the Royal Academy, and reproduced in the _Illustrated London News_, 14 June, 1851.

[140] Ashton, _The Fleet_, p. 66.

[141] Bartholomew sold his interest in White Conduit House 25 March, 1795.

[142] About 1772 these performances were prohibited on Sundays.

[143] See a bill in the London Sections Collection, Guildhall Library, and cp. Rogers’s _Views of Pleasure Gardens of London_, p. 55; also G. Cruikshank’s Ivan Ivanitz Chabert, a print published 13 March, 1818. Hone’s _Every Day Book_, ii. p. 771, ff.

[144] Born 1769, died 1838.

[145] Till May of 1829 the old building was still standing.

[146] Hone’s _Every Day Book_, ii. p. 1204.

[147] Cp. the White Conduit concert described in the _Sketches by Boz_ (“The Mistaken Milliner,” cap. viii.).

[148] The _Variety Stage_, by Stuart and Park, p. 8; 103.