London's Bandstands

Wandering through London's many parks you will discover that many of them still have bandstands. But, what brought about their construction and are they still as important today?

The story of London's bandstands is a fascinating look into Victorian social engineering, military history, and the evolution of public entertainment. They were far more than just pretty park ornaments, they were the focal points of working-class leisure.

Here is how they came to dominate not just London's green spaces, but the rest of the country, too.

The Victorian Boom

Before the mid-1800s, London’s royal parks were largely the playground of the wealthy. However, as the Industrial Revolution packed people into dense, smoky urban centres, Victorian reformers realised the working class desperately needed "rational recreation". Meaning wholesome, outdoor activities to keep them out of the gin palaces.

Music was the perfect answer, but early performances suffered because musicians had to play on the grass or temporary wooden stages where the sound simply drifted away.

Chinese Summerhouse, Victoria Park

From the early 18th century through to the late 19th century Chinese fashion, or Chinoiserie, was extremely popular in English gardens and parks. 

Two famous examples of Chinese-style pagodas that are still standing, are the Pagoda at Kew Gardens, built by Sir William Chambers, in 1760, and a cast iron Chinese Bell Tower, built between 1826 and 1832 by the Coalbrookdale Iron Company, which was installed as a fountain in the gardens at Alton towers.

The Chinese Summerhouse, at Victoria Park, was built in Knightsbridge in the traditional manner and was installed within Hyde Park as part of the Chinese Collection Exhibition of 1842. It cost £800. The 'Illustrated London News' described it as,

"It is of two stories; the veranda roof of the lower one being supported by vermilion-coloured columns, with pure white capitals, and over the doorway is inscribed, in Chinese characters, "Ten Thousand Chinese Things". Such summer-houses are usual in the gardens of the wealthy, in the southern provinces of China, often standing in the midst of a sheet of water, and approached by bridges and sometimes they have mother-of-pearl windows. Although this building is raised from the pathway, whence it is approached by a flight of steps, it is somewhat squatty proportioned. But such is the character of Chinese buildings."

Regent's Canal

The Broad Walk Bridge.

Regent's Canal is one of my favourite walks to take, in London. 

Stretching for 8.6 miles (13.8 km) from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin and the River Thames, Regent's Canal is a beautiful walking route that meanders through green spaces, industrial, residential and newly regenerated areas.

Having walked the towpath on numerous occasions, over the years, I have seen some changes to the surrounding vistas, especially around the Camden and King's Cross area.

London Zoo stop.

But, there is still a lot of history that has been kept; From bridges to tunnels to floating restaurants, there is always something new to discover.

Feng Shang Princess, Chinese Restaurant.

The towpaths, themselves, are fairly well maintained, for the most part, and wide enough to allow for the countless joggers, dog walkers and cyclists that use this route on a daily basis.

Victoria Park

Bonner Gate.

One of the parks and, to be honest, areas of London that I have rarely walked around is Victoria Park and, by extension, the East End. I have always had a fascination with the East end, but seldom visit it, considering its history.

So I took the opportunity of having some time away from work to explore the park, which covers some 86 hectares.

Having walked from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park I entered Victoria Park, via St Mark's Gate, and immediately turned right, having spotted two brick alcoves that were once part of London Bridge and, a little further up the path, the War Memorial.

One of the two alcoves from the old London Bridge.

I then made my way along one of the tree-lined avenues. To my left were large open spaces with people training, sitting and enjoying the sun, walking dogs or, like me, just enjoying the warm weather. To my right cricket and football pitches stretched towards the edges of the park.

This brought me to the Model Boating Lake, splashpool, skatepark and the children's main playground and cafe. To my right, hidden behind some trees there was an Old English Garden, unfortunately not in full bloom, so not as impressive at it usually looks, but still nice to see. 

As I continued the East Fishing Lake came into view, on my right, along with the Burdett-Coutts Drinking Fountain and bandstand, while to my left the open green spaces continued.

Crossing Grove Road, via Diamond Jubilee Gate, I entered the West Park and found myself by the West Boating Lake, with its abundance of wildlife. Herons, ducks, cormorants and geese of various species. The trees surrounding the lake were filled with the sound of Parakeets, screeching to one another.

The West Boating Lake.

Following the path to the right, around the lake, to my right the green spaces continued along with another children's play area. As I moved out of the trees I spotted a Chinese Pagoda to my left across a bridge. 

Pagoda Island.

Walking with Keilyn: Olympic Park to the Mithraeum... and beyond

Aquatics Centre.

 Tuesday April 4, 2023.

With the first week of the Easter holidays begun and with the weather on our side Keilyn, my 9 year old daughter, and I decided to take a trip to London. On Keilyn's insistence we headed to Stratford, via the Jubilee line, as she wanted to explore the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Our journey was uneventful and after grabbing a hot drink and some food, at Stratford station, we made our way to the park. 

West Ham FC Stadium.

Crossing WaterWorks River, via Stratford Walk, we were immediately in front of what is now West Ham FC Stadium, while below us, on the river, the Water Chariots and swan pedalos were moored up.

Water Chariots and Swan pedalos.

Turning right we headed towards the Pleasure Gardens Play Area, which Keilyn thought was 'Okay'. We continued by following the course of the River Lea via Middlesex Way, which brought us to Eastcross Bridge, next to which the 'Agitos' stood tall and proud against the blue sky. 

Agitos.

Following the path around brought us to the London Blossom Garden and the Tumbling Bay Playground. Keilyn was suitably impressed with this little park.

Keilyn just swinging around.

From here we clambered up and down hills to see the Olympic Rings, set among a small copse of trees. 

Keilyn, an Olympian in the making?

Then it was back down the hill to Gaskell's Fort play area, which Keilyn loved.

Gaskell's Fort Play area.

Then we crossed Knights Bridge and turned left and ourselves back on Middlesex Way, which we followed until we reached Marshgate Lane. We followed this until we turned onto Bassett Lane, which took us across the River Lea Navigation.