1-191-760 - © London Museum/Heritage-Images

Vauxhall Gardens, Lambeth, 18th century. By the late 1700s there were over 200 pleasure gardens in and around London, one of which was Vauxhall Gardens, south of the Thames, which opened in 1660. They were designed to offer the illusion of being in the country whilst at the same time being close to the fashionable centre. This view of people promenading in Vauxhall Gardens shows the Grand Walk, orchestra and supper boxes, which were decorated by such artists as William Hogarth and Francis Hayman.