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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Vauxhall Gardens
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By far the most successful and long-lasting of London's pleasure gardens. They opened in 1660 on the south bank of the Thames (roughly opposite where the *Tate Gallery now stands on the north bank) and did not finally close until 1859, when the area was developed. Avenues of trees, some well lit for promenading, others darker for assignations, were dotted with pavilions and supper rooms. There was a high level of musical entertainment – *Handel, for example, was a popular favourite and a life-size statue of him was placed in the gardens in 1738 (the first major work by *Roubiliac, it is now in the V&A). There were added excitements such as firework displays and, from the late 18C, ascents by balloon.
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