 | Rural attractions of London: The strict regulations that applied in St James's Park did not prevent undesirable ruffians from frequenting it. In 1712, Dean Swift complained he had to come home early 'to avoid the Mohocks', rowdy Young men who contemporaries were led to believe were named after cannibals in India'! Standards of behaviour improved in the nineteenth century when it was suggested that park benches be installed and soldiers admitted. Queen Victoria look a personal interest in any such changes and once, when she heard the railings on Birdcage Walk had been moved without consulting her, she rebuked the official responsible. The proposal to allow, boating on the lake was, fortunately for the ducks and geese, not adopted. |
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