Pleasure garden

**History:**
– Depiction of entertainment in nature dates back to 1500 BC
– Gardens of Sallust in Ancient Rome were open to the public
– Persian nobility enjoyed the pleasure grounds of paradeisos
– Formal pleasure gardens arrived in Roman Britain in the 1st century AD
– Fishbourne Roman Palace showcases extravagant Roman gardens

**British Early Modern and Victorian Times:**
– Public pleasure gardens in London emerged in the late 17th century
– Marylebone Gardens and Cupers Gardens were popular spots in the 17th century
– London saw the rise of Cremorne Gardens, Ranelagh Gardens, and more in the 18th century
– Cities like Birmingham and Leeds also developed their own pleasure gardens
– Tea gardens became a smaller version of the traditional pleasure garden

**Commercial Aspects:**
– Pleasure gardens offered entertainment venues like concert halls and amusement rides
– Some gardens housed haberdasheries and harems
– The decline of public pleasure gardens coincided with the rise of suburban private gardens
– Pleasure gardens were places for recreation and entertainment
– Modern gardens were often referred to as pleasure gardens in the 17th and 18th centuries

**Types of Gardens:**
– Pleasure gardens differed from other public gardens by offering entertainment
– Mediterranean gardens were maintained throughout the year
– Private flower gardens were historically known as pleasure grounds
– Pleasure gardens provided a cool retreat from summer heat
– The term “pleasure garden” had dual meanings in English from the 17th century onwards

**References:**
– Ellen Churchill Semple’s work on Ancient Mediterranean Pleasure Gardens
– Rose Standish Nichols’ book on English Pleasure Gardens
– Robin Waterfield’s book on the war for Alexander the Great’s empire
– Anne Scott-James’ illustrated history of British gardening
– Further reading includes works on Georgian festivals and London’s pleasure gardens in the 18th century