MAY

On this day in 1769 was the second great Ridotto al Fresco, following10 a £5,000 refurbishment of the gardens, including a rain-proof awning over the main walks around the Grove. Around ten thousand tickets were sold for this event, at half a guinea each, leading to endless traffic jams on the approaches. Only a few people arrived in ‘character dress’, but many in ‘fancy dress’. MAY

On this day in 1764, according to The Gentleman’s Magazine, ‘About 5011 young fellows tore up the railing, and did other damage at Vauxhall in order to lay open the dark walks which Mr. Tyers had very prudently shut up to prevent indecencies so much complained of last summer.’ MAY

On this day in 1845 the ‘113th Season’ opened. The Grand Orchestra12 had been remodelled by Mr. Breckell, who installed the new sounding board with its caryatid supporters, and decorated ‘in the most costly style of splendour’ by Mr. Hurwitz. MAY

On this day in 1783 was the first appearance of the tenor Daniel Arrowsmith;13 the correspondent of The British Magazine reported that he ‘was received with great applause and encored in every song. He has a fine tenor voice, of great flexibility, extent, and sweetness. He is superior to Cubitt, but we have still to regret the loss of our old friend [Joseph] Vernon. … The company was very numerous, and remarkably genteel. The orchestra and boxes are new painted, and add a pleasant freshness to the garden.’ MAY

On this day in 1668 Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary ‘To Fox hall, where14 we walked a great while and pleased mightily with the pleasure thereof and the company there; and then in and eat and drank, and then out again and walked; and it beginning to be dark, we to a Corner and sang, that everybody got about us to hear us; and so home…’ MAY

On this day in 1840 was the eighth of eleven auction sales by Mr Hoggart14 following the bankruptcy of Frederick Gye and Richard Hughes; this one disposed of machinery, paintings, an organ, several statues, and paintings, including some ‘by Hogarth and Hayman.’ MAY

On this day in 1738 was published in the London Evening Post, no.1638 the15 poem ‘On seeing Miss W—y D—cr—s at Vaux-Hall, dress’d in White’, which began: To thee, Vaux-Hall, sweet Scene of Joy! The Young, the Gay, the Fair, In sable Bands each Ev’ning fly, And bid adieu to care. MAY

On this day in 1787 was the opening masquerade of the season. Bands to16 play dance music were advertised as performing in the ‘new Balloon Rooms’, although what or where these were is still a mystery. MAY

On this day in 1796, according to The Times newspaper, the planned opening17 of the season had to be postponed due to continuing bad weather. There was a running joke at the time that the opening of Vauxhall Gardens was bound to signal two or three weeks of rain; farmers would always want to know when the opening was planned, so they were certain of a good time to plant their seeds. MAY

On this day in 1748 Mr. George Harris visited Vauxhall: ‘Not there before18 for some years past. A new room built there; elegantly adorn’d with lights & sconces &c. – a Rotunda. The finest evening that had been yet this year.’ Just forty two years later, on the same date, it was reported in the press that the Rotunda had been transformed, for the opening of the 1790 season, into a ‘fanciful Persian Pavilion, Elegantly decorated with Trophies’. MAY

On this day in 1763 Jérôme Lalande, a French astronomer, noted in his diary19 ‘I dressed to go to Vauxhall which is open today in spite of the rain. It is a magnificent garden 800 feet in length and from 320 to 550 feet wide. On the left is a beautiful salon for the orchestra when it rains, with a very large hall where there are three large paintings. … On the right and left are two large half- moons furnished with boxes; another elevated, architecturally decorated box for the princes … I spent eleven and a half hours there. The hackney coach cost a half a crown.’ MAY

On this day in 1712 was published in The Spectator No.383, the story20 by Joseph Addison of the visit to Vauxhall of Mr. Spectator and Sir Roger de Coverley, in which Sir Roger tells one of the local harlots that she is ‘a wanton baggage’, and, on leaving, informs the manageress ‘That he should be a better Customer of her Garden, if there were more Nightingales, and fewer Strumpets.’ MAY

On this day in 1763 Jérôme Lalande, a French astronomer, recorded in his diary,21 ‘We dined at Mr Scott’s, Leicester fields, and from there I went to Vauxhall, where time passed deliciously. The Duke of York was there with the Duchess of Buckingham. There are 57 boxes on the left and 81 on the right.’ MAY

On this day in 1739 Arthur Pond, a moderately successful and fashionable22 portrait painter and pastellist, noted in his journal his first visit to Vauxhall. He spent 3 shillings there, and was to become a regular visitor. MAY

On this day in 1743 the second group of engravings after the supper-box23 paintings was published following publication of the first group on 4 April; the final group was to follow on 1 February 1744. The second group included ‘The Milkmaids’ Garland’, ‘Sliding on the Ice,’ and ‘The King and the Miller of Mansfield.’ MAY

On this day in 1714 Ralph Thoresby of Leeds, a historian, recorded in his24 diary ‘We went by water to Fox-hall and the Spring Garden. I was surprised with so many pleasant walks, &c., so near London.’ MAY

On this day in 1742 Horace Walpole wrote to Horace Mann from Downing25 Street, ‘Today calls itself May the 26th as you perceive by the date, but I am writing to you by the fireside, instead of going to Vauxhall. If we have one warm day in seven, We bless our stars and think it luxury. And yet we have as much waterworks and fresco diversions, as if we lay ten degrees nearer warmth. Two nights ago Ranelagh Gardens were opened at Chelsea; the Prince, Princess, Duke, much nobility, and much mob besides were there. There is a vast amphitheatre, finely gilt, painted and illuminated, into which everybody that loves eating, drinking, staring, or crowding, is admitted for twelvepence.’ MAY

On this day in 1789 a correspondent of the Evening Mail reported that there26 had been a Gala at Vauxhall. Not many visitors, but good quality, ‘and what was rather singular, many of the Ladies appeared in full dress.’ The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence arrived later. ‘The transparencies of Mr. Serres were much admired, and deservedly so; the Royal George and Charlotte had a good effect on each side of the orchestra. Pieltain played a solo Concerto with great taste and judgement.’ Miss Leary, Mrs. Billington, and Mr. Incledon were the singers. MAY

On this day in 1840 was the second of three days of the auction sale of ‘various27 moveable articles’ from Vauxhall Gardens by Mr Hoggart, following the bankruptcy of Frederick Gye and Richard Hughes. Lot 206 was ‘Two old figures of hermits’, which sold for ten shillings, and lot 217 was ‘A very large figure of Britannia, framed and canvassed’; otherwise tables, seats, tools, building materials and ‘sundries’ made up the rest. The first day had been mostly lighting equipment, and the third disposed of domestic and gardening equipment, finishing up with lot 457, ‘A strong useful bay cart horse.’ MAY

On this day in 1822 Vauxhall Gardens were designated ‘The Royal Gardens,28 Vauxhall’ by Royal Warrant of King George IV. This royal designation was later confirmed by King William IV and by Queen Victoria. MAY

On this day in 1786 was held the ‘Vauxhall Jubilee’, celebrating fifty29 years since Jonathan Tyers re-launched the gardens with his 1732 Ridotto al Fresco. The fact that it was four years late did not worry Bryant Barrett, the husband of Tyers’s grand-daughter Elizabeth, who had just taken on the management from his father-in- law. The doors opened at 7pm on a warm, dry evening. Shrubberies had been planted to appeal to the new taste for gardening, and many other improvements had been undertaken. Up to six thousand people paid half a guinea for a ticket. MAY

On this day in 1786 Vauxhall opened for the new season. The correspondent30 of the Morning Chronicle reported the next day that ‘This ancient resort of the lovers of amusement was last night thrown open for the season, under the most promising appearances; not in point of weather, for that was discouraging; nor in point of numbers, for there were “awful” few.’ But the entertainments ‘cannot be too highly commended’, and, if the weather improved, ‘Vauxhall will stand pre- eminent amongst the amusements of the metropolis.’ MAY

On this day in 1792 the new season opened with a masquerade. Tickets31 cost one guinea, and the musical programme was, unusually, without songs, but with some ‘Instrumental Full pieces’. JUNE

On this day in 1812 the season opened. George Rogers Barrett, son of Bryant Barrett,1 had rebuilt several features of the gardens which his father had allowed to become dilapidated. ‘It is hoped the indulgence of a liberal public will sanction the necessity that has induced the Proprietor (though reluctantly) to advance the price of admission Sixpence each person’ [to 2s.6d.]. JUNE

On this day in 1787 Gilbert White of Selborne, staying with his brother in south2 Lambeth, noted in his journal that ‘Hay is making at Vaux-hall’. On a previous visit, nine years earlier, White had heard both a green woodpecker and an owl in the fields of Vauxhall JUNE

On this day in 1735 the first Orchestra building was inaugurated at the opening3 of the season. The Daily Advertiser announced the opening on the previous day: ‘There is built in the Grove of the Spring-Gardens at Vaux-Hall, an Octagon Temple, intended to serve as an Orchestra, for a Band of our finest Instrumental Performers; who will play the compositions of Mr. Handel, and other celebrated Masters.’ JUNE

On this day, King George III’s birthday, in 1792, Joseph Haydn visited Vauxhall,4 towards the end of his first stay in London. It was a cool evening, so very few other people were present, but thirty thousand lamps were lit; Haydn commented in his notebook ‘the place and its diversions have no equal in the world … The music is fairly good.’ JUNE

On this day in 1837 was the first showing of a new spectacle, the so-called5 ‘Atelier de Canova’, with male and female artistes dressed up as living statues in classical poses, some on a revolving platform. Groups included a ‘Venus’, a ‘Murder of the Innocents’, a ‘Mars and Venus’, and a ‘Three Graces’, all imitating originals by Canova, and a ‘Hercules and Cacus’ by Bandinelli, with several groups ‘from the antique’ all illuminated by the new ‘Phoshelioulamproteron’ – the brightest artificial lighting that could be achieved at the time. JUNE

On this day in 1818 a ‘family of rank and fashion’ lost their daughter at Vauxhall.6 Despite several searches both at the gardens and at home, no trace of her could be found; The Times correspondent had to report that ‘the young lady, it is feared, has placed herself under the protection of some person extremely obnoxious to the family’ who she presumably made an assignation to meet at the gardens that evening. JUNE

On this day in 1732 was Jonathan Tyers’s great inaugural Ridotto al Fresco, attended7 by four hundred people including Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales. Read’s Weekly Journal of the following Saturday reported that ‘On Wednesday last was the Ridotto al’ Fresco at Vaux-Hall Spring-Gardens, which was perform’d with great Order and Decency, the Magnificence of it, and the Elegancy of the Supper, Musick, &c. far exceeded the Balls at the Hay-Market, and there was a greater Number of Masquers, than at any of those, tho’ it did not seem so, from the Largeness of the Place.’ JUNE

On this day in 1732 Lucy Wentworth wrote to her father the Earl of Strafford, ‘one8 hears no other news but of Miss Vane [Ann Vane, mistress of the Prince of Wales, who had just given birth to his son], & the Frisko [Jonathan Tyers’s great Ridotto al Fresco] which was last night & I fancy there was a great deal of mestcheif done for on Monday ye mob broke in & Mr. Johnson was there & he was Knock’d down.’ JUNE

On this day in 1788, at 5pm, was a Thames Sailing race, from Blackfriars Bridge9 to Putney, and back to Vauxhall Stairs. A sailing transparency was shown in the new Promenade Room. The match was between ‘gentlemen’s pleasure sailing boats’ weighing less than ten tons. The winner was presented by the Vauxhall proprietors with a silver trophy. These races, which began in 1786, were organised by the Cumberland Sailing Society, based at the Cumberland Tea Gardens, close to Vauxhall. JUNE

On this day in 1736 Jonathan Tyers first advertises his intent to formalise10 the entry cost and arrangements, partly because he does not want to admit ‘such as are not fit to intermix with those Persons of Quality, Ladies and Gentleman, and others, who should honour him with their company’, and partly to stop his waiters allowing people in for free. JUNE

On this day in 1810 was the Grand Fete for the Persian Ambassador, the illuminations11 of which were ‘truly superb’. Mizra Abul Hassan Khan was in London for the ratification of an Anglo-Persian treaty, and he kept a journal called ‘The Book of Wonders’: ‘The fireworks ended with the name of the Qibleh of the Universe written in Persian Letters! Everyone appreciated this display and clapped their hands together.’ JUNE

On this day, Whit Monday, in 1848, ‘The Inimitable Juba’ the Afro-American12 Jazz dancer, made his first appearance at Vauxhall with Pell’s Ethiopian Serenaders. The publicity for Juba states that ‘He is a perfect Phenomenon, who (among other Terpsichorean Feats) accomplishes with the most perfect ease the extra-ordinary number of 200 Different Steps! And here it may be stated, that he is the Only Youth of Colour that has ever visited this Country for the purpose of delineating Negro Life and Character.’ JUNE

On this day in 1827 was the reconstruction of the Battle of Waterloo, directed13 by Charles Farley, with the equestrian troupe of Mr Cooke from the Royal Amphitheatre, Liverpool, who used more than a thousand horses. People found the roaring artillery, the exploding ammunition wagons and the burning buildings hugely impressive. Even the great Duke of Wellington himself, when he visited the gardens in 1748, thought the reconstruction admirable and enjoyable. JUNE

On this day in 1792 was the ‘Last Gala’ of the season, with an admission14 price of three shillings. We know from the Vauxhall ‘Lists’ that the fourteen items on the music programme for the evening included symphonies by Carl Friedrich Abel and by Ignaz Pleyel, and William Boyce’s overture to Solomon, as well as several pieces by James Hook, and songs from Miss Leary, Master Shepherd, Mr Clifford, Miss Milne and Mrs Addison. JUNE

On this day in 1770 John Marsh, composer, recorded in his diary ‘to Vauxhall15 that evening in a coach. … I was much delighted, particularly with Handel’s music then chiefly performed there, of which I was loth to lose a note, tho’ I found it was fashion only to attend to the songs, & to walk about during the performance of the instrumental music.’ JUNE

On this day in 1840 was the eighth of eleven auction sales by Mr Hoggart16 following the bankruptcy of Frederick Gye and Richard Hughes; this one disposed of machinery, paintings, an organ, several statues, and paintings, including some ‘by Hogarth and Hayman.’ JUNE

On this day in 1803 The Times correspondent reported from Vauxhall ‘Last17 night this delightful place opened with éclat unprecedented: the most magnificent illuminations of past seasons (though they exceeded any thing imagination could paint) were last night so far surpassed, that surprise, as well as delight, fascinated all beholders. The company consisted of an immense number of persons of the first distinction: all the beauty and fashion of the town might be said to be at once attracted to this spot: the Songs adapted to the chearfulness of the scene: the Singers, rendered happy by the kind greetings of so brilliant an audience, exerted all their powers to please, and succeeded to their wish.’ JUNE

On this day in 1817 was the first special Fete to celebrate the anniversary of18 the victory of Waterloo, following the Grand Horticultural Fete held at 2pm that afternoon. JUNE

On this day in 1736 ‘This Day is Published, The new Vaux-Hall Fan; or,19 The Rural Harmony and delightful Pleasures of Vaux-Hall Gardens; with the different Air, Attitude and Decorum of the Company that frequent that beautiful Place; done to its utmost Beauty and Perfection. Whereon is shewn the Walks, the Orchestra, and the grand Pavilion, which far excels any Thing of the Kind yet offer’d to the Publick. Sold at Pinchbeck’s Fan Warehouse.’ JUNE

On this day in 1665 was the Thanksgiving Day for our victory over the20 Dutch off Lowestoft on 3 June; Samuel Pepys noted in his diary ‘Thence [from Whitehall] by water to Fox-hall, and there walked an hour alone, observing the several humours of the citizens that were there this holiday, pulling off cherries, and God knows what.’ This was his first visit of over twenty mentioned in the Diaries. At this time, the great Plague was ravaging London. JUNE

On this day in 1732 Jonathan Tyers had planned to hold an ‘Assembly Supper’21 at Vauxhall, but, following the success of the great Ridotto al Fresco on 7 June, he was persuaded, probably by Heidegger, to give up the assembly in favour of a repeat of the ridotto. This was a commercial failure, and almost led to Tyers giving up the project altogether. JUNE

On this day in 1792 was published A Favourite Collection of Songs Sung at22 Vauxhall Gardens, sung by Miss Leary, Mr. Darley, Mr. Clifford, Miss Milne, Mrs. Addison. Composed by Mr. Hook. London: A. Bland & Weller at two shillings and sixpence. It included eight songs, among which were ‘I never will be married’, and ‘a favourite Serenata’ called ‘Look ere you leap’, performed with Universal applause at the above Gardens.’ JUNE

On this day in 1836 was a daytime ‘Grand Floral Fete’, opened at 2pm,23 admission 2s.6d. This was to be a ‘Splendid Show of Flowers by the Metropolitan Society of Florists,’ with monetary prizes. As an added attraction, the Ravel family of acrobats would give a daytime performance which would allow ‘those Persons who cannot conveniently visit Vauxhall at Night an opportunity of witnessing their extraordinary and pleasing Performance.’ JUNE

On this day in 1738 was published an article in the periodical Common24 Sense, or the Englishman’s Journal, on the advisability (or otherwise) of visiting Vauxhall. The author advises people to go there in odd-numbered groups to avoid couples pairing off and becoming ‘unaccountably serious.’ He also objects to smoking in the gardens ‘lest the Stink of the Tobacco should drive some of the Fair Guests into the more private Walks for a little fresh Air.’ JUNE

On this day in 1781 eleven thousand people attended on Sailing Race25 day because the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland had announced they would be present. ‘This was the most memorable instance, of past or present times, where so many people assembled and paid admission money, where the invitation and entertainment was music, and where seven thousand persons were accommodated with provisions and refreshment on so small a spot.’ JUNE

On this day 26in 1767 Jonathan Tyers died at Vauxhall, aged 65. He had been unwell, and was at his country house, but when he knew he was dying, he had himself taken to Vauxhall for a final look at his creation. His obituary called him the ‘sole proprietor of the various entertainments of Vauxhall; a species of entertainment first invented by him of which there are and have been many copies both here and abroad where its reputation has been long spread.’ JUNE

On this day in 1816 ‘A circumstance unparalleled in the history of Vauxhall27 occurred in consequence of the bad weather, on Wednesday, 27 June, not one person paid for admission to the Gardens for the night … The concert took place in the music room. The house people, the servants, the waiters etc. attended and made up all the audience.’ 1816 was the ‘year without a summer’ due to the 1815 eruption of the volcano of Mount Tambora in Indonesia. The proprietors made a loss of over £3,000. JUNE

On this day in 1739 a note in an anonymous diary tells us that ‘the Master28 of Vauxhall Gardens will go from thence in his coach attended by 50 of his Servants to his house at Denby [Denbies] near Dorking where two of his Drawers [waiters] are to be married to two of his Bar Maids he gives each of them their Wedding Ring and an elegant Dinner.’ JUNE

On this day in 1849 Forster’s Life of Dickens reported that Dickens went to29 Vauxhall with Judge Talfourd, Stanfield, and Sir Edwin Landseer. The ‘Battle of Waterloo’ formed part of the entertainment on that occasion. “We were astounded” writes Mr Forster, “to see pass in immediately before us, in a bright white overcoat, the ‘great duke’ himself, with Lady Douro on his arm, the little Lady Ramsays by his side, and everybody cheering and clearing the way for him.” JUNE

On this day in 1718 William Byrd of Virginia reported in his London Diary30‘Then I took boat and went to Vauxhall and dined upon a roast chicken at Spring Garden. After dinner I took a nap in the arbor till 6 o’clock and then took a walk and joined three women and gave them Rhenish wine and cheesecake, but about nine went to London alone and went to Will’s Coffeehouse and drank some milk.’ JULY

On this day in 1785 the New London Magazine reported ‘On Saturday night Mr.1 Nelson, performer on the kettle drum at Vauxhall, dropped down in an apoplectic fit, and expired immediately. He had belonged to the band at Vauxhall fifty years.’ Jacob Nelson, the Scottish showman percussionist, who can be seen at work in Rowlandson’s famous watercolour of Vauxhall, died where he had performed for half a century, aged almost 80. JULY

On this day in 1661 John Evelyn’s diary recorded that ‘I went to see the new2 Spring-garden at Lambeth – a pretty contriv’d plantation.’ In his book Fumifugium of 1661, Evelyn suggested that plantations of trees, in the manner of the New Spring-garden at Lambeth, should be planted around the east and south-west of London to help clean the polluted air. JULY

On this day in 1834 the balloonist Charles Green ascended in the giant3 Royal Vauxhall Balloon, after giving seats as prizes in a lottery. Tickets cost just one shilling, and the prize was worth a guinea for men and half a guinea for women (the normal cost of a seat in the balloon). JULY

On this day in 1850 was held the first Grand American Fete to celebrate ‘the4 great day of Independence.’ After this, it became an annual event. The huge Prince’s Gallery or Long Room, behind the southern range of supper-boxes, became the ‘Grand American Saloon’ or Bowling Saloon after 1837. JULY

On this and the following day in 1847 a grand ‘Fancy Fair’, in aid of the Butchers’5 Charitable Institution, one of a series of charitable events held over thirty years, was held at Vauxhall. A ‘fancy fair’ was a day-time fund- raising event to which donors had given all sorts of items for sale. JULY

On this day in 1668 Samuel Pepys recorded in his diary ‘and so with wife and6 Deb to Spring-garden and eat a lobster; and so home in the evening and to bed.’ Deborah Willet was the seventeen-year-old servant to Pepys’s wife Elizabeth. JULY

On this day in 1847 Henry Coxwell ascended after dark in a balloon from which7 fireworks were launched in a spectacular display. JULY

On this day in 1828 was a Grand Dress Fete for the benefit of the Spanish8 and Italian Refugees. With a very aristocratic list of patrons, including most of the royal Dukes. The directing Committee was chaired by the Duke of Wellington. Performers for the evening included Giuditta Pasta, Mme Brambilla, Mme Schutz, Signor Curioni, Signor Pellegrini, Signor Torri, Signor Zuchelli. D’Ernst’s fireworks and the Battle of Waterloo re- enactment completed the spectacular evening. JULY

On this day in 1754 the famous blue-stocking Mrs Montagu, in a letter to9 her husband, wrote about an imminent visit to Vauxhall, ‘where Mr Tyers has had the ruins of Palmyra painted in the manner of the scenes so as to deceive the eye and appear buildings.’ JULY

On this day in 1858 it was widely reported that the Westminster Road10 premises of Madame Coton (née Frances Ann Bennett, pyrotechnist to the Vauxhall Gardens) exploded and up to four people, including Madame Coton herself, were killed. In at least one report Mrs Gibson, wife of a neighbouring fireworks maker, was another victim. Frances’s husband, William Coton, pyrotechnist to the gardens since 1852, had been killed in a similar explosion four years earlier, which she and her children had survived. JULY

On this day in 1848 the London and South Western Railway opened their11 new line from Waterloo to Nine Elms through Vauxhall station, adjacent to the gardens’ coach entrance. Trains carrying passengers to and from Vauxhall ran not only from Waterloo, but from towns to the west as well, as far as Windsor, ‘enabling persons to enjoy the magnificent Entertainments of the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall, to the same extent as if resident in the Metropolis.’ JULY

On this day in 1851 the exotic ‘Algerine family’ was exhibited at Vauxhall.12 The appearance at the gardens of Yousoff Ben Ibrahim with his wife and sisters and his five-year-old son was intended to show the exotic in the context of a civilised society. Reclining on luxurious divans, and clothed in rich Arabian silks, they became one of the key attractions of the season. An engraved group portrait, taken from a Daguerreotype was published in The Illustrated London News. JULY

On this day in 1821 was the first ‘Juvenile fete’ at Vauxhall, an afternoon13 event, intended for children under 12 years old, with their parents. This event was so popular that it turned into an annual, or even twice- yearly event, involving emblematical illuminations, animal acts, foreign singing groups, fireworks and acrobats. Clowns and comic songs were a particular favourite. At a later fete, the American General Tom Thumb was the star attraction. JULY

On this day in 1856 there was a Benefit Night for the lessee and manager14 Robert Wardell. At a benefit, many of the performers would give their services free, so that all the income could go to the beneficiary. Wardell was the last successful manager of the gardens, but was forced to give up when health and safety considerations banned his most spectacular entertainments. JULY

On this day in 1851 was a ‘Scottish Fete and Highland Ball’, for the relief15 of famine in the West Highlands and Islands; the entertainments including Highland Games, and, presumably, Scottish songs and music. Although these charity fetes had a poor reputation for raising funds, they did help to publicise their various causes. JULY

On this day in 1794 the proprietors launched a decorated barge on the Thames,16 called an ‘immense aquatic machine, drawn by two sea-horses of an immense size and richly caparisoned’ whose heads moved up and down as the boat proceeded. Old Father Thames sat at the helm, flanked by river gods. A ‘very large band of musicians’ was placed near the stern. This machine sailed between Westminster Bridge and Vauxhall Stairs before the sailing match. It was re-used on several occasions through the year, with added lamps, even on the paddle wheels that drove it (apparently contrived so as not to spill the oil or douse the lamps), with singers performing on board. JULY

On this day in 1786 was the start of the Jubilee sailing matches. The Silver17 Jubilee Cup was presented by the proprietors. The first race was won by the Prince of Wales, with Mr Condell the musician as commander. A new transparency of the Cumberland Fleet was displayed in the Rotunda. JULY

On this day in 1859 George Stevens, the lessee, advertised the start18 of the final season: ‘The Public is respectfully informed that this celebrated Place of Amusement … is DOOMED TO BE DESTROYED; on Tuesday 26th Workmen will commence taking down the whole of the buildings and clearing the ground’, so he was, with the permission of the owners, allowed to open the Gardens ‘for the Last Illuminations! The Last Concerts! The Last Horsemanship! The Last Fireworks! The Last Music! The Last Dancing! The Last Suppers! And The Last Punch!’. JULY

On this day in 1802 the Times announced Mr Garnerin’s Fire Balloon ascent:19 ‘Fancy, however, though always at work, will find it a difficult matter to define the nature and qualities of this great phenomenon, the ascension of which will cost the Proprietors of the Gardens the sum of £300. Every box, and indeed almost every seat in the Gardens, promises to be taken for this occasion, which will certainly display a sight in the air as yet unwitnessed in England.’ JULY

On this day in 1813 was the Vittoria Fete. This Grand Military Festival20 in honour of the Battle of Vittoria, won by the Duke of Wellington on 21 June, was held at Vauxhall under the chairmanship of the Duke of York. The main event was a grand dinner for between eight and twelve hundred male guests in the Rotunda. Their wives and ladies joined them after 9pm. Because of the crowds, getting to and from the fete was apparently worse than the Battle of Vittoria itself. JULY

On this day in 1834 was the second benefit night for the great C.H. Simpson.21 ‘The gentle Simpson, that kind smiling idiot’ as Thackeray called him, was Master of Ceremonies at Vauxhall between 1797 and 1835, and one of the great figures of the gardens; his image, immaculately dressed and greeting some unknown visitor with overblown politeness, became the model for the logo of Johnny Walker Whiskey. JULY

On this day in 1850 was the first ascent of Mr H. Bell’s ‘Patent Locomotive22 Balloon’. Bell’s Balloon, of an elliptical shape and filled with hydrogen, made a short but successful flight, landing at Perry Vale, between Ealing and Acton. Although the technology had already been privately proven, this very public flight represented one of the great technological advances in manned flight made at the gardens, being the first time a balloon could, in theory, be effectively moved and guided by the pilot rather than having to rely on a favourable wind. On this first flight, however, ‘it seemed to drift along the air like any other balloon’ according to one correspondent, so there was still development work to be done. JULY

On this day in 1792 The Times correspondent described the annual Vauxhall23 rowing match. The first prize for this was a new wherry given by the proprietors, with smaller monetary prizes for the runners-up. These hugely popular and well attended matches were rowed for by pairs of professional watermen over two or three heats. The match began at 5pm, with the gardens opening at 7pm for a rowing-themed gala evening. On this occasion, the wherry was won by two unnamed watermen from Bankside. JULY

On this day in 1837 was the fatal parachute descent of Robert Cocking.24 Cocking, a 61-year-old balloon-mad water-colour painter from Kennington, had designed and built a rigid parachute in the shape of an inverted cone; this was attached to Charles Green’s great Nassau Balloon, which ascended from Vauxhall Gardens at 7.35 that evening and rose with some difficulty to 5000 feet, where Cocking himself released the parachute, with him in the basket below. Almost immediately the parachute failed, and Cocking plummeted to earth at Lee in Kent. He was dead when found by a local farm worker. JULY

On this day in 1859 was ‘Positively the Last Night Forever’, when 25the gardens closed for the last time. ‘The last Night Forever’ promised extra illuminations, extra horsemanship, extra fireworks and extra music, and all at ‘no extra charge’ – the admission was back to its original cost of one shilling. Many ‘souvenirs’ were taken on the last night by the fifteen thousand visitors – possibly the largest crowd ever gathered there. The tenor Russell Grover sang ‘Nevermore shall I return,’ and, after a final rendition of the national anthem, ‘the pathetic ceremony of leave-taking’ was over. JULY

On this day in 1802 were the celebrations of the peace between Britain26 & France. According to the musician W.T. Parke, ‘Among the demonstrations of loyalty, in celebration of the peace concluded between this country and France, none were more splendid than those at Vauxhall Gardens, on the 26th of July, which were honoured by the presence of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.’ JULY

On this day in 1816 Madame Saqui, the tight-rope walker, fell during27 her performance at Vauxhall, and broke some ribs. Her husband finished the performance, while she was treated in the house. It was feared at the time that Madame Saqui would be unable to perform again. However, no doubt much to the relief of the proprietors, she was prepared to be re-engaged the following season. JULY

On this day in 1803 a Vauxhall handbill advertised music and illuminations,28 including the ‘Admired Star in motion, Invented by the Celebrated Signor Martinelli.’ Fire-works by Neale & Son included a display depicting ‘Mount Vesuvius Shewing the flowing of the Lava, at the Time of its Irruption.’ JULY

On this day in 1833 was a Grand Naval Gala at Vauxhall, ‘In Honor of the29 Signal Victory recently achieved by Captain Napier and his brave comrades off Cape St Vincent.’ The music, of course, included Thomas Arne’s Rule Britannia, ‘verses and choruses, in which it is hoped all visitors will join.’ Admission was four shillings. JULY

On this day in 1825 Thomas Bish, a lottery agent who had taken on the30 proprietorship of the gardens in 1822 in partnership with Frederick Gye, a printer, resigned from that partnership. Bish and Gye had been joined in 1823 by the theatrical entrepreneur Richard Hughes, who stayed with the partnership until their bankruptcy in 1840. JULY

On this day in 1751 G. Woodfall of London published A Sketch of the Spring$Gardens,31 Vaux$Hall, in a letter to a Noble Lord, price sixpence. According to its publicity, ‘This Pamphlet, though intitled a Sketch, contains a full and accurate description of the various beauties of Vaux-Hall; and is a very necessary Companion to the Four Views of Sig. Canaletti.’ The anonymous author was John Lockman. AUGUST

On this day in 1859 the periodical Town Talk likened the end of Vauxhall, just1 a few days before, to the French Revolution; Vauxhall had started as an elegant, aristocratic establishment, patronised by royalty: ‘The close, on the other hand, was as if royalty had been upset by a fierce revolutionary mob; the people swarmed the grounds, jostling and elbowing their way, dancing in the maddest manner, shouting at the top of their voices, revelling in strong drinks, defying the authorities, and creating a saturnalia of the veritable mobocracy type.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1841 Ducrow’s Circus performed ‘The Amazons’ at Vauxhall,2 with twelve highly trained palfreys, mounted by six ladies and six warriors. Mr Hicken, Felix Carlo (the dwarf), and Messrs. Bullock, Frazier & Cottrell (‘The Grotesques’), made up the rest of the cast. AUGUST

On this day in 1802 was an early balloon ascent of Monsieur Garnerin from3 Vauxhall. During the flight, at a height of 600 feet, a cat was dropped by parachute, and amazingly survived the drop. The greatest height achieved on this flight (2,400ft) was reached over Hampstead. AUGUST

On this day in 1746 the Duke of Newcastle’s Ball took place at Vauxhall. According4 to Horace Walpole, the Duke dedicated the ball to Peggy Banks to spite his previous amour Lady Rochford, who had dumped him for the Prince of Hesse. ‘When they came to Vauxhall there were assembled above five-and-twenty hundred people, besides crowds without; they huzzaed, and surrounded him so, that he was forced to retreat into the ball-room. He was very near being drowned t’other night going from Ranelagh to Vauxhall by a politeness of Lord Cathcart’s, who stepping on the side of the boat to lend his arm, unset it and both fell into the water up to their chins.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1742 was published in the periodical The Champion, ‘Of the5 Luxury of the English; and a Description of Ranelagh Gardens and Vaux-hall, in a Letter from a Foreigner to his Friend at Paris’. No author is given, but it is known to be by Henry Fielding, and it was a grand ‘puff’ for Vauxhall as opposed to Ranelagh. AUGUST

On this day in 1801, for the Splendid Gala, a ‘Grand Oriental Car’ was created,6 richly decorated with trophies and other devices, and drawn by elephants, accompanied by Sepoys. The Duke of York’s Band performed ‘Favourite Indostan Airs’ in the Oriental Car. AUGUST

On this day in 1842 the proprietors produced a hastily- penned poster stating:7 ‘In consequence of the storm, The Fire-works have unfortunately become water- works, and the Proprietors therefore regret the Weather must apologise for the public disappointment.’ The summer of 1842 was very wet, leading to the cancellation of several special events that year, with an overall loss of around £3,000 for the season. AUGUST

On this day in 1788 the Rowing match originally planned for 9 July but postponed8 due to the weather, was finally held. The new wherry, offered as a prize by the Vauxhall proprietors, was raced for annually by professional watermen over forty years old who had completed their apprenticeships upriver from London Bridge, in order to promote the continuing fitness of experienced oarsmen. The race is first mentioned in 1781. AUGUST

On this day in 1832 was the first day of the Fancy Fair at Vauxhall in aid of the9 Subscription for restoring the Lady Chapel of St Saviour’s Church, Southwark, under the patronage of the Duchess of Kent. The subscription must have been successful as the Lady Chapel, or ‘retrochoir’ was restored by George Gwilt junior in that year. Since 1905 St Saviour’s has been designated as a Cathedral. AUGUST

On this day in 1832 was the second day of the Fancy Fair at Vauxhall in aid10 of the Subscription for restoring the Lady Chapel of St Saviour’s Church, Southwark, under the patronage of the Duchess of Kent. The subscription must have been successful as the Lady Chapel, or ‘retrochoir’ was restored by George Gwilt junior in that year. Since 1905 St Saviour’s has been designated as a Cathedral. AUGUST

On this day in 1841 ‘Mr. Catlin, the celebrated traveller, exhibited the red Indians,11 including a war dance, a battle and scalping, the pipe of peace, an Indian wedding, games etc.’ The painter and showman George Catlin presented his ‘red indians’ in the Rotunda. Although he was later to bring over some genuine native American people, these earlier shows were artificial tableaux with actors in Indian costume, basing their act on Catlin’s studies of the people themselves. AUGUST

On this day in 1790, in honour of the Prince of Wales’s birthday, ‘The Gardens12 will be This Day the 12th Instant, illuminated in a most brilliant and elegant manner, with several Thousand Variegated Lamps, disposed in different Emblematical Forms and Devices. The External Beauty of that much admired Building The Orchestra, will be traced with small Globe Lamps, and the Trees encircled with Wreaths, in the same brilliant manner.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1796 there was a Superb Gala for the Price of Wales’s birthday.13 ‘In the Crescent, adjoining the Rotunda, will be exhibited the Grand Car of Apollo, beautifully illuminated, in which His Royal Highness the Duke of York’s Band (by Permission, in full Uniform), will perform Martial Music, at the end of the First Act. The Transparent Arches, with Emblematic Devices, will be exhibited in one of the principal Walks. AUGUST

On this day in 1835 there was a Benefit concert advertised for Signor14 Venafra, with music by Rossini, given by Giulietta Grisi, Madame Kyntherland, M’lle de Angeli, M’lle Brambilla, Signor LaBlache, Sig. Ivanoff, Sig. Balfe, Sig. Rubini, Sig. Tamburini, led by Mr Mori. This was one of a handful of occasions when some of the top singers of Europe performed at Vauxhall. AUGUST

On this day in 1815 was the Benefit evening for Joseph Neale, pyrotechnician15 to Vauxhall Gardens, on the occasion of the birthday of the Prince of Wales; it included a celebration of the taking of Paris and the surrender of Napoleon, ‘On which Occasion the Gardens will be most brilliantly illuminated with variegated Lamps, and every Exertion made to promote the Comfort and Pleasure of those Ladies and Gentlemen who may honour the Exhibition with their Presence.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1783, in an attempt to avoid the usual Last Night riots and damage,16 the proprietors decided to close without notice at the end of the evening of Saturday 16th August (actually at 3am on the Sunday morning), having previously said that they would close the following Thursday. This was much to the disgust of the bucks, who consequently lost out on their traditional annual letting- off of steam, when they broke the lamps, ripped doors off their hinges, and broke as much crockery and as many bones as they could. AUGUST

On this day in 1768, during a lengthy tour of European capital cities, Christian17 VII, the young King of Denmark, and son-in-law of Frederick, Prince of Wales, visited Vauxhall. This royal visit, accompanied by many of the British aristocracy, was the highlight of the first Vauxhall season after the death of old Jonathan Tyers, which had otherwise been lacklustre and predictable. AUGUST

On this day in 1828 was a Grand Military Fete in honour of the birthday of18 the Duke of York. The Duke’s military band had performed regularly at the gardens since the 1780s, prefiguring the bands in Victorian park bandstands, and no doubt played on this occasion; but there would also have been large painted transparencies on a military theme, and emblematical illuminations in the form of trophies. These events, often exclusively male, were normally little more than an excuse for over-indulging in food and drink. AUGUST

On this day in 1833 was the first great Benefit night for C.H. Simpson, Master19 of Ceremonies of the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall, for 34 years. This occasion was the highlight of Simpson’s career; a huge illuminated silhouette of him was erected at the end of the Grand Walk, as a centrepiece for Southby’s firework display. Simpson, ‘The glorious guardian genius of Vauxhall!’ was intending to retire after this event, but he was persuaded to return for two full seasons. He died on Christmas Day 1835. AUGUST

On this day in 1854 Robert Wardell, lessee of the gardens, sent out a letter20 to all his supporters announcing his decision to close the gardens. This was because, as soon as he found some successful attraction, like masquerades, firework balloons, and the like, it would be banned by the magistrates. The final straw came when he proposed to allow his acrobatic team to perform their act suspended below an ascending gas balloon, and this too was banned, despite having been allowed elsewhere. ‘Under the circumstances, I think it would be folly for me any longer to attempt to carry on a place of public amusement, the entertainments of which are liable to be interfered with the moment they appear to be attractive.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1822 was a Royal Fete for the birthday of King George IV, ‘The21 Royal and Munificent Patron of these Gardens’. The main feature of this was to be additional illuminations – 8,000 multicoloured lamps were formed into an emblematic representation of the Imperial State Crown, and 30,000 additional lamps illuminated the Grove. The music included ‘Favorite Comic Songs and Glees’ and the firework manufacturer had to be paid extra to produce a special display. Admission cost four shillings. AUGUST

On this day in 1859 was the first of two auction sales by Samuel and Robert22 C. Driver, to dispose of the moveable items in the gardens following the final closure. This included lot 125 ‘The entire erection of the elegant Circular Orchestra, with minarets, leaded cupola roof, and gallery, American Stout and Oyster Bars’, which sold for £99. Lots 51 to 53 were three painted deal tables with turned legs, three of the ‘original tables made for the gardens in 1754’, sold for nine shillings each. The remaining pictures, mostly nineteenth century, were bought by Edward Tyrrell Smith for the Banqueting Hall at Cremorne. Total receipts from 274 lots were only about £800. AUGUST

On this day in 1818 there was a series of spectacular explosions which23 destroyed Mr Mortram’s firework factory in Mead Place, St. George’s Fields, leaving the field clear for Madame Hengler to take on a monopoly as the only fireworker for Vauxhall. The only casualty of the explosions was an unfortunate monkey who was chained up inside the building. AUGUST

On this day in 1836 was a Grand Charity Fete in aid of the funds for the24 London Infirmary for Diseases of the Skin, Great Ormond Street. These charity fetes were run by Vauxhall, usually in the daytime, as a way of increasing the use and income of the gardens, as well as attracting an aristocratic clientele. They were often run under the patronage of some elevated or even royal person. Sometimes great musical stars like the violin virtuoso Nicolo Paganini would perform. AUGUST

On this day in 1849 The Illustrated London News published a full25 page of text and illustrations devoted to Vauxhall Gardens. ‘The season at this still popular place of amusement has proved, on the whole, successful to the new entrepreneurs. This result has been fairly earned; for the proprietors have provided for their visitors a succession of novel attractions of a superior class.’ The illustrations show the Ascent of Mr. Green’s Balloon (with the first use here of electric illumination), The Italian Walk, The Gothic Ruins, and the Neptune Fountain. The new lessees, for this season only, were Col. Henry Blaine and Charles Thomas Pearce. AUGUST

On this day in 1812 was a Grand Masquerade in honour of the victories in 26the Peninsular War. The correspondent of The London Chronicle commented that ‘There is, perhaps, no place in England so well adapted to this attractive species of entertainment, or so nearly resembling those selected in the foreign nurseries of pleasure, from whence, exotic-like, it was transplanted to the more rugged soil of Britain, as Vauxhall Gardens.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1792 the season, which had begun on 31 May, closed. Following27 the death of Jonathan Tyers the younger in March, his son-in-law Bryant Barrett had doubled the admission price to two shillings, resulting in an overall profit of £5,000 for the season. The new Prince’s Gallery, or Long Room, had been constructed for this season between the southern range of supper- boxes and Kennington Lane, as a new covered dining area. AUGUST

On this day in 1798 was a ‘Superb Military Gala’. The advertisement promised that ‘The Grand Car of Mars will be exhibited that28 Evening, in which His Royal Highness the Duke of York’s Band will perform a Selection of the most favourite Martial Pieces, relieved alternately by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester’s Band, in the Orchestra. The Concert will consist of Full Pieces, Concertos, and Songs, applicable to the Gala. After the Concert a Display of Fire-Works, by Sig. Hengler. Admission 3s. 6d. - Doors open at half past 6, and the Concert begins at half past 7. As many of the Military Gentlemen intend to Honour the Gala in Uniform, it is requested they will not come with Side-arms, as they cannot be admitted.’ AUGUST

On this day in 1786 Bryant Barrett’s first very successful season of just seventy29 evenings closed. It had seen the Vauxhall Jubilee, and the first great Military Fete, as well as the construction of a new Coach Entrance from Kennington Lane, with waiting rooms and cloakrooms. The start of the season had to be postponed from 1 June until 10 June, partly because of poor weather, and partly for the reinstatement of the buildings, paintings etc. after the Jubilee. AUGUST

On this day in 1822 the season closed; this had been the first season under30 new management, with Frederick Gye and Thomas Bish leasing the gardens from the Barrett family. Bish and Gye succeeded in obtaining the Royal Warrant for Vauxhall, but had invested hugely in new attractions, so despite record attendance figures of 137,279 paying visitors, only £79 profit was made. AUGUST

On this day in 1797 was a Superb Gala for His Excellency Ismail Farruh Efendi,31 the new Ottoman Ambassador in Europe, who was in post from 1796 until 1806, but in London only from 1797 until 1800. What Ferruh thought of the Gala at London’s ‘Mahometan Paradise’ is not a matter of record. SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1780 a correspondent in the Gazetteer noted sadly, on the last1 evening of the season, when over 8,000 people attended ‘the generality of which, however, were of the middling, and inferior classes.’ It was regarded as a success that there was no riot until 3am, when ‘between thirty and forty lamps were broken by three blades, two of whom were a hair-dresser and an attorney’s clerk.’ SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1825 the gardens closed after a season of just forty-four evenings,2 with a profit of £2,635. For the first time, strict rules governing the staff are written down by the new proprietors; the second paragraph must always have applied: ‘The strictest regularity, as to Time of Dining &c. during the Season must be rigidly attended to as all the Servants have particular Duties for each succeeding Hour, to prepare for the Gala; and the least irregularity of Time in one part operates on all the Links of the Chain that connects this great Concern together.’ SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1804 the season closed. A book called Modern London, published3 earlier in the year, mentions Vauxhall: ‘Though the entertainments are more varied than formerly, the vocal department still forms a prominent attraction; it is always miscellaneous, generally supported by respectable performers, and the band is numerous and well appointed. … From 5,000 to 15,000 well-dressed persons are occasionally present. The gardens open about the middle of May, and close about the end of August.’ SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1774, because it was the last night of the season, ‘Upwards of 4fifteen foolish Bucks who had amused themselves by breaking the lamps at Vauxhall, were put into the cage there by the proprietors, to answer for the damage done. They broke almost every lamp about the orchestra, and pulled the door leading up to it off the hinges.’ SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1823 the author of The Vauxhall Observer noted that Vauxhall had5 remained open into September, after a season of terrible weather, and to take advantage of the fine autumn, so keeping people in London who might otherwise have moved into the country. ‘Indeed, it is said that there has been a meeting at the West-end, of the first-rate shopkeepers, to consider the justness of presenting to the Vauxhall Proprietors a splendid piece of Plate, as a mark of gratitude for the benefit the trading interest have derived generally, by so many of the nobility having been induced to remain in London, and continuing hourly to arrive.’ SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1816 one of the worst seasons on record came to a close after6 almost fourteen weeks. Madame Saqui’s first season at Vauxhall had been blighted by unprecedented cold and rain, following the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia the year before. Even though Vauxhall Bridge had opened to traffic by 24 July, making access to the gardens that much easier, the proprietors still made a loss of at least £3,000. SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1799 the Turkish ambassador, His Excellency Ismail Farruh7 Efendi, and his suite visited Vauxhall. 30,000 lamps were lighted, and emblematical transparencies in his honour were erected in the walks. This appears to have been the last of several visits during his stay in London. Ever since the erection of the Turkish Tent in the 1740s, Vauxhall had exploited its exotic reputation with allusions to Turkish culture. SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1831 there was a free day at Vauxhall to celebrate the coronation8 of King William IV. 40,000 people attended throughout the day, although little income was earned. It is possible that the Government may have given the proprietors a grant to enable them to open free of charge. This grant was again applied for seven years later when Queen Victoria was crowned, but was turned down. SEPTEMBER

On this day in 1844 the gardens were opened for one month for the purpose9 of exhibiting scenes from the everyday life of the Ioway Indians, between 2.30 and 7pm daily. George Catlin had brought a group of American Indians over from the Rocky Mountains. They established an encampment on the Waterloo Ground, where the party of fourteen (including three chiefs, five braves, four squaws, a child and a papoose) erected their wigwams, and displayed dances, games, ball plays, songs, archery and equestrian exercises. Many English schoolchildren were taken to see them.