Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the World's most famous parks. Covering 350 acres in the heart of London it offers an oasis of tranquilty in a frenzied world.

The Park was owned by the clergy of Westminister Abbey. King Henry VIII, famous for beheading two of six wives, Anne Boleyn in 1536 & Catherine Howard in 1542, was certainly not in awe of the church. When he fancied something or someone he usually prevailed. The monks sold him Hyde Park in 1536 so he could indulge his other passion of hunting as did King James I.

In 1637 Charles I, who also lost his head, allowed public access to Hyde Park. This was widely availed of during the Great Plague of 1665 as people fled there to escape the Black death.

Rotten Row is a very famous part of Hyde Park which is now used by horse riders.They have to thank William III who created this route to avoid footpads(robbers). The route was originally called 'Route de Roi' so one can see how Rotten Row got its name.

In the 1730s, Hyde Park's only lake the Serpentine was created thanks to Queen Caroline, wife of George II.To this day, Londoners will boat & swim in its inviting waters.

Free speech has long been a great English tradition & Hyde Park Speaker's Corner is a physical manifestation of this philosophy. Since 1872, everyone has the right to stand on a soapbox & pontificate on any subject under the sun. Definitely worth a visit at weekends.

Speaker's Corner is close to Marble Arch which has great historical connections. It was here, close to Hyde Park, where public executions took place on the Tyburn Tree.

Park Lane is the most famous 'road' in London, it abuts Hyde Park connecting Hyde Park Corner & Marble Arch. It is a very exclusive area hosting such famous hostelries as the Dorchester, Grosvenor House & the London Hilton.

Transport to Hyde Park

Hyde Park Corner Tube
Marble Arch Tube