Greenwich Park, with the Royal Observatory, one Easter Monday.

Repro ID: PU2203

Description: This is a well-known image of Greenwich at the time of its famous Easter Fair. This filled the streets of the town until it was abolished in 1857 as "deleterious to good order and public morals". Many sorts of people, occupations and activities can be spotted among the crowd; from decorous strolling, dancing and children's games, to 'tumbling' on the hill below the observatory, an urchin escaping up a tree with a Greenwich Pensioner waving a stick at him below, and sailors dallying with ladies of uncertain status on the grass. These are apparently naval men from their dress and the cudgels they carry and one, by the tree left has a monkey on his shoulder. The large crowd on the left may have assembled around some sort of contest or fight.

Creator: Pugh (artist); Pass (engraver); Richard Phillips (publisher)

Date: 20 April 1804

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London