Home Model of the Eagle Tavern

Model of the Eagle Tavern

Object

model

Object number

2013.82

Physical Description

Wood model of the 19th century Eagle Tavern, Hoxton.

Associated Place

Material

Woods
acrylic
Glass
Metals

Dimension

Width (Front): 76cm
Height (Front): 70cm

Exhibition Label

From the exhibition 'Pubs, Clubs & Carnivals: An exhibition about pleasure and leisure in Hackney' [21 June - 3 September 2016]

The Eagle Tavern, Hoxton. Opened 1821

The Eagle Tavern and its attached pleasure gardens were attractions popular with people ‘of humble rank’ based in Shepherdess Walk. Part of the site is now Shoreditch Police Station.

Visitors could enjoy a range of open air entertainments, or explore the Oriental garden decorated with Chinese lanterns and fountains. Bands played and there was dancing once a week. Newspapers describe 5,000-6,000 people present on one. The Eagle’s gardens are described in detail by Charles Dickens as the setting for one of his ‘Sketches by Boz’ short stories.

In 1831 The Grecian Theatre was attached. Furnished with an organ and a mechanical self-acting piano, performances included opera, magic shows, and ‘the lady on the elastic cord’. However it was Christmas pantomines that made the theatre’s reputation. The owners’ son famously starred each year in wonderful make-up and costumes for roles including a tree and octopus.

On display?

No

Inscription

Tavern conquest. Licensed pursuant to act of Parliament of the twenty fifth of King George the Second.
Porter, old miles stout & ales, pale, burton, ales, stout.
Missing image