The Fascinating History of London’s Hyde Park

Hyde Park in London is one of the finest historical landscapes in the city and also one of its largest. The Park extends over 350 acres and is remarkable for many landmarks of royal significance.

The Hyde Park first came to be in royal possession when Henry VIII acquired it from the monks of Westminster Abbey. However it was during the reign of Charles I that the Park was thrown open to the general public in 1637. It was also Charles I who introduced extensive innovations in design and ordered the creation of the Ring which now lies north of the Serpentine boathouses.

Yet another new feature in the Hyde Park was added towards the end of 17th century when James I ordered 300 lamps to light the way to St. James, thus creating the first artificially lit highway in the country. This road was then known as the “Route de Roi” or the King’s Way in French which later got corrupted to Rotten Row.

In the 1730s Queen Catherine ordered the creation of an 11.34 hectare lake in Hyde Park which became famous as The Serpentine. Among the modern innovations in Hyde Park is The Lido which was designed by George Lansbury in 1930 and still used for sunbathing or swimming during summers.

Visitors wishing to fully experience the delights of Hyde Park can check out lodging options in city at www.ooaha.com which gives best London hotel deals.