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St. James's Park
St. James's Park is London's oldest royal green space. Surrounded by the House of Parliament, St. James's Palace and Buckingham Palace, the park has a truly exposed location. The park is considered to be the most beautiful in the metropolis and unfolds a true flowering splendour in spring and summer.
From marshy meadow to noble park
In 1532, Henry VIII had a marshy meadow converted into a hunting ground reminiscent of the English counties of Kent or Hampshire. Among other things, bird aviaries and menageries for rare animals were erected. The Birdcage Walk to the south of the park owes its name to this. A total of 15 different species of waterfowl still live in the park today. Charles I. finally opened the park for the whole population in the year 1672. According to legend, however, he regretted his decision soon after. He then asked one of his advisors what it would cost to close the park to the rabble again. The latter is said to have answered: "Your Majesty's crown". So St. James's Park remained open to all.
Home for numerous water birds
The present face of St. James's Park can be traced back to the ideas of the horticultural architect John Nash, who redesigned the park for King George IV in 1829. Nash gave the park an elegant and romantic touch and the green area since then reminds of a well-kept English garden. The central point of the park is a small lake with the islands Duck Island and West Island. Nash had the original canal converted into a lake in 1837 and a crossing connects the park with the Horse Guard Parades. The Queen's birthday is celebrated here with a magnificent parade every second Saturday in June. If you are interested in the history of the Queen's bodyguard with the imposing bearskin caps, a visit to the Guards Museum is recommended.
With 5,5 million visitors per year, the St. James's Park is one of the most frequented green areas of Europe. Especially the unique view from the jetty of the lake to the surrounding historical buildings makes a visit to the green area a must.
