The Larmer Grounds: A Victorian theme park
Pitt Rivers laid out the Larmer Grounds in 1880 as pleasure grounds for the local people. Each September the grounds and adjoining fields were opened for races, sports and general festivities. Among other attractions were dances, open-air theatre, a golf course and even a racecourse. Pitt Rivers also had a hotel built in the village of Farnham, opposite his Museum to accommodate those who had to travel from outside the county. The Larmer Grounds became widely popular. In 1899 they attracted nearly 45,000 visitors.
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