I1IO 
and Gentry and the public in general; that he has lately 
imported a Stock of choice French Wines;  viz.—Claret, 
rich Frontignac, Prinia’c, &c.” Patrons of the various 
gardens were not altogether content with charming surround- 
ings, “‘ full Concerts of Vocal and Instrumental Music,” or 
firework displays. They must have been connoisseurs of wines, 
for the quality of those supplied to visitors are always extolled, 
at the Villa especially so; “‘ Neat Wines” appears on the 
ticket, and the front of the building until its. demolition, 
displayed the words: BATH-WICK VILLA . NEAT WINES. 
Concerts, both vocal and instrumental, were frequently given 
at the Villa, but apparently these were not equal to the con- 
temporary concerts given at Spring-Gardens. 
If enterprise and good management could have compelled 
success, then the Villa Gardens would certainly have pros- 
pered, but a noteworthy “ Grand Fete”’ held on August 2ist, 
178g, in honour of the Duke of Clarence ; when, in addition to 
the concerts, etc., some of the attractions were exceptionally 
novel, marks the zenith of their career. After this date, their 
decline as a fashionable pleasure resort was extremely rapid. 
As instancing this, in November, 1789, a circus performance 
was for some considerable time given in the gardens “ by a 
Capital Groupe of Performers from Asiley’s Riding Schools, 
London.” 
Many causes militated against the financial success of these 
Gardens. They were of small area, and, situated some distance 
from the city, would-be patrons at the time of their opening 
using the direct road to them, had necessarily to pass close by 
the rival Spring-Gardens, old established, and then at the 
height of their popularity ; by 1789 the building operations 
then proceeding on so extensive a scale in the Bathwick 
meadows, materially hampered the approach of vehicles or 
even pedestrians coming from the direction of Pulteney bridge 
to the Villa. As illustrating this, the proprietor early in 1790, 
advertised that ‘“‘ The best Coach Road at present is over 
the Old Bridge round Claverton Street,’ a tedious journey 
of more than twice the distance from the Guildhall via Pulteney 
Bridge, much of the way through a narrow « J winding road, 
and with two turnpike gates on the route. 
The ferry near Walcot Parade was a bold venture to attract 
patrons from the most fashionable parts of the city, but it 
apparently entirely failed of its purpose. 
On the roth of August, 1790, was announced a “ Grand 

