Hyde Park

Sphere: Related Content Hyde Park is the largest of the Royal Parks stretching from Kensington Gardens in the west to Hyde Park Corner in the East. It came into existence in 1536 when the land was acquired for hunting. It has developed over the years in response to the wishes of the Crown and the public and has a tradition of events and public spectacles. There are links with the military through the presence of Knightsbridge barracks on its boundary and the continuing practice of firing Gun Salutes from the Parade Ground. Among its features include Speakers Corner, the Serpentine (a lake of some 11.34 hectares used for swimming, boating and fishing ), Marble Arch and Rotten Row, the world famous riding track, which celebrated its tercentenary in 1990 and was the first public road to be lit at night in this country. Despite its heavy use the Park manages to convey an air of rural tranquillity much valued by both tourists and local users.