Read Next
Ranelagh
historical resort, England
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
Quick Facts
- Date:
- 1690 - 1805
- Key People:
- Richard Jones
- Related Places:
- United Kingdom
- England
- Kensington and Chelsea
Ranelagh, former resort by the River Thames in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London. Land east of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, was bought in 1690 by Richard Jones, 3rd Viscount Ranelagh, later 1st earl of Ranelagh, who built a mansion and laid out gardens. Opened to the public in 1742, it became a fashionable resort, with its ornamental lake and its large Rotunda as major attractions. William Jones built the Rotunda, which included a columned central fireplace, an orchestra stand, and booths around its walls for drinking and smoking. The buildings were demolished in 1805, and the site was repurchased by the Royal Hospital.