Image ID: 43255

Radford Folly, Near New Road, Old Radford, Nottingham, c 1895

Courtesy of Nottingham and Notts Photographic Society

Nr New Road - Maun Avenue
Nottingham, Radford
Nottinghamshire
England

The site of Radford Folly is now near the junction of New Road and Maun Avenue.The pleasure gardens were laid out by William Elliott in 1780. Aged 86, he purchased a large area of land off St Peter's Street on which to build himself a country seat. He laid out the grounds and included an artificial lake fed by the River Leen. In the middle of the lake was a handsome tower giving extensive views of the countryside round about.<br /> In 1792, the estate was sold to Charles Sottai and became a popular tea garden with the name Radford Grove. Coloured lights decorated the Grove and boats could be hired. Dances and fireworks also featured in the attractions. <br />After the passing of the enclosure act and the opening of the Arboretum in Nottingham, the Grove declined, the lake filled up and the buildings became derelict and dangerous, the last remnants being demolished in 1957. (Information from Nottinghamshire Guardian, April 1957) 

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