Mon, 07 Mar
|Widcombe Social Club
Georgian Town Gardens
The gardening image of the eighteenth century is the Arcadian landscapes of William Kent or 'Capability' Brown. But this was not the whole story. Lecturer James Bolton brings us a look at the care and expense that created the Town Gardens of the 18th Century.
Time & Location
07 Mar 2022, 11:30 – 12:30
Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA, UK
About the Event
Lecturer James Bolton
Category Gardens
The gardening image of the eighteenth century is the Arcadian landscapes of William Kent or ‘Capability’ Brown. But this was not the whole story, plants were being imported throughout the century and planted by enthusiasts in the cities, not only London, but also provincial cities such as Bristol and Bath, gardens were being created for the wealthy and for working families. These gardens maintained a very different tradition to their country cousins. With a rapidly increasing population, London spread east, south and most significantly westwards. The fashionable development from the 1620s was the square, with the first being Covent Garden designed for the Earl of Bedford by Inigo Jones, followed in the next century by the great boom in aristocratic development. Gardens in urban spaces were at least as important in Georgian times as they are today, when the pollution in cities, particularly London, was appalling. The thought and care and not least, expenditure that went into these gardens is mirrored by today’s town gardener.
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Location Widcombe Social Club
Widcombe Social Club is situated at the bottom of Widcombe Hill within walking distance of the Bus and Railway Stations. From the City the quickest route on foot (a 10 minute stroll) is to walk over the foot bridge at the rear of Bath Spa Rail Station. Cross over the A36 at the pedestrian lights and turn left along Widcombe Parade (where there are lots of nice local shops and places to eat).
Cross over the juction with Prior Park Road. The Social Club is on the left at the bottom of Widcombe Hill.
The number 2 bus, from bus stop BK across the road from the train station will take you one stop to Widcombe.
There is very little parking locally. The closest car park is in Southgate which is not far from the Bus Station.
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Covid-19
While there is still uncertainty about social distancing or any change in regulations, if we are unable to meet, our lectures will continue online on Zoom.
For information and assistance please use the contact button at the top of the page to email us.