Tuesday 29 March 2011

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

4 comments:

Linda Kage said...

I can't wait to read Lydia's scene!! Thanks for the picture of Vauxhall Gardens; I've always wondered what it would look like.

Debra Glass said...

Dangerous Deceit looks fantastic for us Regency aficionados! There was a very good seen at Vauxhall in Eloisa James' book, Your Wicked Ways.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Linda - thanks for the comment. That's just one part of the Gardens in the picture but it gives quite a good flavour of the period!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Aw, thank you, Debra! I just hope it lives up to expectations! I haven't read that book, so I must look out for it.