The Pleasure Gardens at Skegness formed part of the original plan for the development of the town, that was drawn up in 1868. They represent one of the earliest phases of the designed landscape that was created for the Earl of Scarbrough by the Civil Engineers Clarke and Pickwell. The site chosen for the gardens had formerly been a coal yard where cargoes from Tyneside had been stored. The gardens are believed to have been fully laid out around the year 1876, and included a pavilion (see PRN 49062), bandstand, pond, bridges, paths and lawns, much of which is still retained in the same naturalistic configuration as the original design. The name of the gardens was changed to the Tower Gardens in about 1898, after the construction of the nearby Jubilee Clock Tower (see PRN 47861). The original bandstand was dismantled shortly before the Second World War, with the current structure dating to about 2000. Metal railings, particularly along the western boundary, add a formal frontage to the terraces along Rutland Road. Cast-iron and timber benches within the gardens appear late 19th or early 20th century in date. Mature specimen trees form the garden framework, with seasonally changing shrub and perennial planting at a lower level. The eastern entrance to Tower Gardens has been altered slightly with small kiosks built on a terrace to the east of the approach. When originally laid out, the view from the gardens on this side would have been to the open sands and the sea but the esplanade, laid out in the early 20th century, saw the creation of the Embassy Ballroom directly in line with the eastern access to the gardens, closing the direct view to the sea. On the south side a terrace of shops have been built, truncating the gardens slightly, but still allowing access through a covered walkway from Lumley Road. The gardens are registered, together with Skegness Esplanade (see PRN 45510) as being of special historic interest. For the full description of this designated asset, please refer to the National Heritage List for England entry. {1}