
2 aera, eee eee 
II5 
Ob: SYDNEY GARDEN (see illustration) 
VAUXHALL 
(within a circle of dots, raised rim). 
Re: Plain field within a circle of dots; (apparently left 
clear for engraving number). 
On the 2nd of January, 1796, it was advertised that “ Any 
Person or Persons willing to Contract,—for Building, Sydney- 
House, Vauxhall, may see the plans, elevations, sections and 
descriptions of the several works at Mr. Master’s, Architect, 
No. 21, Orchard Street.” ‘‘ Proposals to—a Committee of 
the Proprietors to be held at Sydney Garden on Monday the 
25th of January next.”’ The building was commenced in the 
following November. 
The Sydney Garden is referred to in June, 1796, ‘“‘ as the 
fashionable resort of all the polite visitors and inhabitants of 
the City, (and) as crowded beyond any example at the first 
grand Gala on Friday evening last. There were more than 
4,000 persons present.—The Concert, the fireworks, the 
illuminations, and above all the excellent manner in which 
the fete was conducted are universally spoken of in high terms 
of approbation.” 
The preprietors of the Garden pushed forward various im- 
provements with great energy, announcing, in 1796, that 
“The Ride round Sydney-Garden on a gentle ascent free 
froin dust, and commanding some of the most delightful and 
romantic views about Bath, will be opened for Gentlemen 
and Ladies airing on Horseback only on Monday, June 27th.” 
“Non Subscribers 6d. each time.” Masters’ plan of the 
Garden shews a “‘ Moveable Orchestra” at the rear of Sydney 
House ‘‘adjoining” the “space for Fire-Works,’’ but it 
probably was not placed in this position till after the erection 
of the Hotel. This orchestra, which afforded accommoda- 
tion for 100 pertormers, is said to have been removed from 
the Apollo Gardens, near Westminster Bridge, London ; these 
gardens, opened in 1788, were closed by order of the Magis- 
trates in 1793. 
Failing conclusive evidence I assign the Proprietor’s Tickets, 
(illustrated) to a date prior to 1800. 
These tickets are of silver, unusually handsome pieces, and 
were numbered consecutively ; they are now exceedingly rare 
