Backpackers Guide to London

Ranelagh Gardens

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Introduction

One of the royal gardens, the Ranelagh Gardens is a public pleasure garden. It is located in Chelsea, just outside London, England.

History

The Ranelagh Gardens were established in the 18th century. Its name was taken from the place in which it was built, the grounds of the estate owned by the Earl of Ranelagh. In 1741 the grounds were purchased by Sir Thomas Robinson MP, and the Gardens opened to the public the following year.

Ranelagh Gardens was immediately embraced by the public. It was considered more fashionable than its older rival Vauxhall Gardens, and its entrance charge was 2 shillings and six pence, compared to a shilling at Vauxhall. Its visitors included some of the most elite of London’s society. As Horace Walpole wrote soon after the gardens opened, "It has totally beat Vauxhall... You can't set your foot without treading on a Prince, or Duke of Cumberland."

The Ranelagh Gardens were also the favourite destinations of famous English writers, who were inspired by its beauty to create some of the world’s best poems and novels. On her visits to London, Jane Austen either personally or vicariously through the characters of her writing, certainly enjoyed the parks, and tangentially, the pleasure gardens. She mentions drives through the City in 1813, “The driving about, the carriage being open, was very pleasant. I liked my solitary elegance very much, and was ready to laugh all the time at my being where I was.’

Features

The original Ranelagh Garden had a rococo Rotunda, painted by Canaletto in 1754.The rotunda has a diameter of 120 feet (37 metres). It was designed by William Jones, a surveyor to the East India Company. In 1765 the nine year old Mozart performed in this showpiece. In 1750 a Chinese pavilion was added, as well as an ornamental lake and several walks. The rotunda was closed for in 1803 and demolished two years later. The site is now part of the grounds of Chelsea Hospital.

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