Whilst the Swiss Gardens pleasure grounds were, for 70 years, the destination for fun and frivolity it had an unenviable record of hazard and danger.
1838 – not long after opening a drowning occurred of 15 year old William Booker. He was employed at the Swiss in maintenance duties. One of his responsibilities was to pump out water from the ‘floating temple’ tethered in the East Lake. On the morning of Monday 16th July 1838 he was discovered by staff drowned in the lake.
July 1840: a death occurred where 10 year old James Lulham was fatally wounded – gored by the horn of an antelope. The antelope was an attraction at the park but attacked two lads when being herded into its cage from the bowling green. James was son of the Swiss gardener and had often assisted his father in jobs around the Swiss.
In 1840 a 60year old man toppled from a rowing boat on the lake sinking in 17 foot of water. A young lad was to rescue him and after resuscitation he was revived.
July 1853: a narrow escape from drowning for a small lad – rescued by Cheeseman and Dell.
