ARGUABLY the forerunners of today’s public parks, Pleasure Gardens, laid out with walks that attracted fashionable strollers, who could also enjoy art or music in specially-built galleries and pavilions, began as an exuberant response to the return of the monarchy after the puritan rule of Oliver Cromwell.

This slim volume tells their story in words and many pictures. The cultured joys of the Pleasure Gardens reached even the North-East. Downing notes: “In 1763 the New Spring Gardens at Newcastle became known for their concerts, held weekly during the summer months over several years.” There were “balloon ascents and other amusements”. Alas, by 1878, the site was occupied by the Spring Garden Ironworks. The Industrial Revolution has much to answer for.