200th Anniversary & Re-opening of the refurbished Nursemaid's Tunnel
We have put up many fun and lavish anniversary party marquees, but this must be our first ever 200th anniversary party... And for The Crown Estate too! What an honour.
The Crown Estate were Celebrating 200 years of stewarding the Crown’s streets and gardens around Regent’s Park and Carlton House Terrace. They asked us to create a garden party and so we set about planning a luxurious party marquee with matching outdoor furniture befitting of royalty.
Park Square and Park Crescent Gardens are two of the grandest gardens at Regent’s Park, they are also two of the larger communal garden squares in London. Hidden within has been a secret 18th century tunnel left closed to the public for many years...
A Secret Piece of London's History
The Nursemaids’ Tunnel, Regent’s Park, London is one of the earliest surviving pedestrian subways in London. It joins the two Crown Estate private gardens, Park Square Garden and Park Crescent Garden that straddle the Marylebone Road near Regent’s Park Tube station.
A pedestrian tunnel was conceived at an early stage in the development of Regent’s Park. The New Road (now Marylebone Road) was hazardous for pedestrians wishing to cross from Park Crescent to the gardens in Park Square. In June 1821, the residents petitioned that a “subterraneous Communication be made between the two Gardens, so as to obviate the necessity of crossing the New Road, a matter of considerable danger at most times to Children, and of Inconvenience to Ladies who are desirous of going from one Garden to the other” (EB Wilbraham, 28 June 1821). The brick vaulted tunnel was constructed shortly afterwards.
In 1854 The Nursemaids tunnel had to be strengthened with cast iron in order to withstand the newly built metropolitan railway. In world war 2 it was used as an air raid shelter. Since then the tunnel has been mainly disused and dilapidated.
The Grand Opening
To celebrate the refurbishment and reopening of this hidden piece of London's history we provided our gorgeous Oyster Pearl tent for a beautiful garden party, dotting Balinese parasols across the lawn. The marquee and matching furniture really complimented the classic beauty of English history laid out on grass lawns with white roses.
Inside the tent
Walls were removed from the marquee to create a seamless transition and provide 3060 degree views of the beautiful gardens. Inside was finished with contemporary lounge furniture to relax on whilst taking in information on boards detailing the history of the event.
We were honoured to be a part of this celebration and loved creating a tranquil space for guests to enjoy the grand opening of the newly refurbished Nursemaids Tunnel. If you need a special touch for a corporate party, please send us an email at info@arabiantents.com, we'd be delighted to discuss your plans! Meanwhile, Happy summer from All at Arabian Tents
