Parkmasters

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Homes & Gardens

An exploration of Britain's parks and the people who created them.

Historian Tristram Hunt goes to five key parks to find out about the architects, horticulturalists and benefactors who created them.

BBC Radio 4

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Parkmasters: 3. James Pennethorne and Victoria Park, London

31/01/2007

3. James Pennethorne and Victoria Park, London

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Parkmasters, 3. James Pennethorne and Victoria Park, London

Tristram Hunt on the creation of the first 'people's park' in London's East End.

Historian Tristram Hunt investigates the history of public parks: How James Pennethorne created the first 'people's park'.

James Pennethorne created Victoria Park in East London for some of the poorest people in the capital. 

The space may have resembled Regent's Park with grand carriageways and vistas, but the workers made it their own as they congregated to discuss politics and to bathe in the grand lakes before the park had even officially opened.

Historian Tristram Hunt continues his history of the people and ideas behind the creation of public parks.  

Producer: Erin Riley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.

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3. James Pennethorne and Victoria Park, London

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