‘This led me to propose two circular promenades. One was for Arthur’s seat in Edinburgh and the other was for London, at about the radius of Greenwich Park from the centre.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024).
Loudon wrote that ‘A promenade might be formed in the margin of London, of a very interesting kind, by continuing the street called the New Road through Hyde Park, entering close to where Kensington Gardens leave off, proceeding thence across the Serpentine River, and coming out exactly opposite Sloane Street: then along this street and part of the King's Road, to the road leading to Vauxhall Bridge; from this bridge along roads already formed, and, as may be seen by the map, well suited to lead to Blackheath, then turn towards London through Greenwich Park, so as to display the best views of the metropolis over Greenwich Hospital; form a viaduct or road, on a cast-iron colonnade, across the river, sufficiently high to admit ships in full sail to pass under: descend this, and join the City Road, which joins the New Road, and completes the circle. course which, with the exception of the bridge, might be formed at no great expense or derangement of property, would give a grand view of the metropolis; and, by now and then deviating from the direct road and returning to it, Kensington Gardens, Hammersmith Nursery, the King's Road Gardens, Chelsea Garden, the garden of the Messrs. Loddiges at Hackney, the Regent's Park, Highgate, Hampstead, and all the most interesting garden scenery, and objects close to London, might be rapidly glanced at in one day. (See Gardener’s Magazine, Volume 1. p. 280.)’
Loudon's proposed promenade would have offered Londoners a unique opportunity to explore the city's diverse landscapes and historical sites. From the serene beauty of Kensington Gardens to the bustling energy of Regent's Park, the circular route would have provided a convenient and scenic way to experience the city's natural and cultural attractions. While Loudon's vision was never fully realized, his proposal highlights the importance of green spaces in urban environments and the potential for innovative approaches to urban planning.
Loudon's proposal for a London Promenade was inspired by his seeing the Circular Promenade in Karlsruhe and probably predates his proposal for a Circular Promenade in Edinburgh. It is interesting to note that the London Promenade was mostly in the built-up area and the Edinburgh Promenade in the greenspace which is now Holyrood Park.
See also: Gardenvisit.com appreciation of John Claudius Loudon.