Like historical cities around the world, much of London’s history lies beneath tons of tarmac, concrete, Victorian-style homes and modern business premises that make up today’s iconic skyline.

In the early 1800s, many areas of London were made up of small hamlets and villages around the edges of town. One such area is the (then) village of Marylebone. As you stroll the streets today on a short city break, the ground beneath your feet hides myriad secrets of old London Town.

For instance, in the early 17th century, bordered by the High Street, Weymouth Street and Harley Street, Marylebone Gardens was an eight-acre, walled public space known as a Pleasure Gardens, and used by all to enjoy the likes of cock-fighting, bull-baiting and bare-knuckle boxing.

By the 1750s, the gardens were also allowed to provide open-air theatre, opera and concert productions for the gentry and their ladies. An entrance fee of six pence per person was charged, as a means of restricting access to the wealthy only. The gardens remained a park and entertainment venue until 1778, when it was eventually closed and built on.

As you explore the area, look for Devonshire Street and Beaumont Street, which now cover the area where the gardens used to sit. Who knows, if you listen hard enough, you may just make out the shouts of the Marylebone-Gardens ghosts, cheering on their favourite fighter.

By Samuel Henry Alken – 1. allposters.com2. The Bridgeman Art Library, Object 109529, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6904365