St James`s Park In London
ST JAMES`S PARK
St James`s Park is situated in the Borough of Westminster, and is the oldest of London`s Royal Parks. This 58, Acre Park is found at the southernmost tip, of St James.
Buckingham Palace bounds the park to the West, St James and The Mall to the North, Horse Guards are to the East, and Birdcage Walk is to the South.
The park was purchased in the year 1532, by King Henry VIII. Just to the West of York Palace, which Henry had acquired from Cardinal Wolsley. The land was originally, a swampy piece of marshland, which often flooded.
It was in 1603 when James the 1st came to the throne, that he ordered the land to be drained and landscaped. James, had grand plans for the park, and filled with exotic animals, that included camels, crocodiles and elephants.
A large aviary was also built, and filled with exotic birds, from around the world. The next change to the park was under the instructions of CharlesII. He had been in exile in France, and had been impressed with the gardens in the French Royal Places.
On his return to England, and his accession to the throne, instructed the park to be redesigned. Charles, opened the park to the public for the first time, and used the park also for lavish parties.
He also used the park, many times for entertaining privately, his mistress Nell Gwyn. The park became notorious as meeting place, for acts of degeneracy. This is best recorded in the Earl of Rochester`s poem A Ramble in St James`s Park.
In the 18th Century, more changes were made, including the reclamation of part of the canal. This area was turned into Horse Guards Parade.
In 1826, the designer John Nash was commissioned by the Prince Regent, to oversee the conversion of the canal into a lake. At this time also, Buckingham House was extended, in what is today, now Buckingham Palace. The Mall was turned into a grand processional route, and in 1887 public traffic was allowed.
The park has a small lake, and two islands within it. One of the islands is very popular with waterfowl, especially mallards, and this island has been named Duck Island. The second island has not such an imaginative name, and is simply called West Island.
The bridge, that crosses the lake, offers visitors a view of Buckingham Palace, and a view also of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The park today is a wonderful place to visit, and offers a calm and tranquil escape, from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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