Subject

Long a rural pleasure resort for Londoners it became notorious in 1861, when Edward Giovanelli demolished the old buildings and built a lavish pleasure ground which attracted large crowds, including criminals, pick-pockets and, horror, students. In 1869 some students from Bart's Hospital caused a riot. The local residents had had enough and by 1871 Giovanelli had lost his licence and eventually the pleasure gardens were built over. The Cat's Meat Shop carries an 1865 description of "night out in Highbury".