C.H. Simpson served as Vauxhall’s Master of Ceremonies for 34 years, bowing to newcomers at the gates and tipping his hat in welcome
Appointed in May 1797, he was instantly recognisable in his iconic costume of black knee-high breeches, tailcoat, top hat and silver cane.
Despite his flamboyant clothing, Simpson kept a low profile until his first appearance in the newspapers in 1826. His mysterious reputation was exaggerated by his absence when the gardens were closed during the winter. Many expected to encounter Simpson near his house in Mill bank, a short walk from the gardens, not knowing he occupied a residence in Clapham when the Gardens were closed. Simpson was Master of Ceremonies until his death in 1835.
Embrace your inner Victorian as C.H. Simpson welcomes you to the Gardens in AR. See him bow, tip his hat and usher you through the archway into the Gardens.