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NOTTINGHAM PAST & PRESENT: STREETS AND YARDS
VISTA, Castle Gate, 1921
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, many fine dwelling houses were built bordering directly upon the streets, and in order to preserve light, air, and distant views from the windows it became the custom to obtain land upon the opposite side of the street, and to lay out a formal garden. Such gardens were called 'Vistas', and were quite common in Nottingham even to recent times; unfortunately, modern conditions have swept them away, and they have all been built upon with the exception of the one in Castle Gate, the entrance to which is represented in this drawing. The beautiful gate posts with their reeded columns supporting classic urns, make a very delightful composition thoroughly characteristic of eighteenth century architecture : it is interesting to note that within this garden is one of the very few mulberry trees in Nottingham.
Other well-known Vistas were: one in Park Street, opposite the Mansion House Hotel, now occupied by offices; another in Castle Gate, upon which printing works have been built, while 'Wesley Chapel'—built a century ago—occupies the site of the Vista preserved by Mr. Morley when building his beautiful house; now known as the 'People's Hall'.