Cuper's Gardens facts for kids
Cuper's Gardens were popular outdoor places in London during the 1700s. They were like a fun park or a big tea garden. You could find them on the south side of the River Thames, in an area called Lambeth. From the gardens, you could see Somerset House, a famous building across the river. Today, this area is near the north end of Waterloo Road.
The Story of Cuper's Gardens
The story of Cuper's Gardens began in 1643. A wealthy man named Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel bought a piece of land. He then rented this land to his gardener, a man named Abraham Boydell Cuper.
The gardens officially opened to the public in the 1680s. They were named after Abraham Cuper, the first person to run them. Sometimes, people also called them Cupid's Gardens.
In 1686, the gardens grew even bigger. Seven more acres of land were bought from the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Sancroft. This new land was added to the gardens, making them much larger. A long dock, called Cuper's Bridge, was built on the river. It was a popular way for visitors to arrive at the gardens by boat.
Fun and Entertainment
Cuper's Gardens offered many exciting things to do. By 1736, they even had an orchestra playing music for visitors. The gardens also became famous for their amazing firework displays. People would gather to watch the colorful explosions light up the night sky.
However, the gardens faced some challenges. In 1753, they lost their official license. This was because the behavior of some visitors became a bit too wild. Even without a license, the gardens stayed open for a while as an unofficial tea garden. Finally, Cuper's Gardens closed for good in 1760.
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