A View of the Temple of Concord in the Green Park as seen at Midnight on the 1st August in Celebration of the Glorious Peace of 1814

This print depicts the peace celebrations which took place in Green Park on the night of 1 August 1815, following the Battle of Waterloo. The focus is on the ornate Temple of Concord, seen here immersed in smoke as fireworks go off in the distance.

The event was designed as a dual celebration: as well as rejoicing over the recent victory over Napoleon Bonaparte, the nation united in celebrating 100 years of Hanoverian Dynasty. The Temple of Concord, which was built by the architect John Nash, was brilliantly illuminated by fireworks during the course of the festivities. The temple was invented by Sir William Congreve and revolved mechanically, showing portraits of the Prince Regent.

Unfortunately, during the course of the evening, the pagoda in St. James' Park caught light and it is depicted here in flames in the left distance. The lavish temple was itself was destroyed by fire during riots later that same year.