Regent's Park by Paul Rabbitts

Regent’s Park

From Tudor Hunting Ground to the Present

By Paul Rabbitts

I have enjoyed reading this wonderful book which tells the story of

the development of Regent’s Park over time.  This book gives fascinating

insights into the decisions of the times and the workings of parliament and

local bodies.

A majestic park, which was once a forest, nearly lost during the time of Queen

Mary I and subsequently destroyed is by Oliver Cromwell, who had many of the

trees in the forest cut down for timber.  There are prints included and also

aquatints which show the park from earlier times.  There is a lovely rural scene of

Marylebone Park, which was its previous name in 1750.  There was a Plan of Improvements

For Marylebone Park in 1809 by John White, which preserved rural characteristics with

Housing around its perimeter.  It is mentioned that White’s design would have influenced

John Nash’s ideas but that White was never acknowledged.

After reading so much of the history of the park, the villas, and people who occupied them, the

stories of the architects and the wonderful town planning of the park and Regent Street I would

like to visit Regent’s Park on a visit to London.

 The history is wonderful and this book by Paul Rabbitts describes in detail the beauty of the designs of the villas and gardens of Regent’s Park.  For all who love London, this book is a treasure.  It also gives information regarding the greenery and recreation areas needed as cities grew in population.  A wonderful informative read!

Pictures of the various villas are included and also the beautiful flower gardens and lake.  A wonderful chapter on “Regents Park: a literary park” describes the wonders of the literary poets and writers and their impressions of the park given in their stories   and also songs, as for example, references to singers and the park’s alluring qualities.  To be at the top of Primrose Hill and see a beautiful sunrise is extraordinary and described as being very beautiful.  A wonderful experience which seems to be magical.

It is indeed fortunate that this park is now available for the enjoyment of visitors, tourists and people because of decisions made by The Regent and also John Nash who was responsible for many of the designs.  People interested in town planning would also enjoy reading this book.