Vauxhall Gardens



Vauxhall Gardens in 1809

One of the scenes in my forthcoming novel, Dangerous Deceit, takes place in Vauxhall Gardens in London. These were the pleasure gardens of the Regency era (and before) where all levels of society rubbed shoulders together. And what a place for intrigue! The many secluded paths, groves, and arbours must have allowed men and women an ideal opportunity to arrange clandestine meetings.

With supper boxes, orchestras and fireworks, it was a lively venue. As well as the rogues and courtesans, the more ‘well-to-do’ took pleasure in all it had to offer. There was even an elaborate festival to celebrate one of Wellington’s victories, and I allude to that in the novel. Thackery’s Vanity Fair has a great scene at Vauxhall, where the scheming minx, Rebecca Sharp, loses her chance to capture Amelia’s brother, Jos Sedley.

Since my heroine and the other main characters in Dangerous Deceit spend an evening at Vauxhall, Lydia has an unpleasant incident that seemed ideal for such a venue. You'll be able to read it soon!

Romy