It fell into a state of disrepair during the commonwealth
period. Charles II restored the park, planting fruit trees and then stocking it
with deer. He built an avenue lined with trees where he could play Pall-Mall. A
long strip of water, known as The Canal, was built and became one of his
favourite places. By now the park had become popular with Londoners as a place
to visit, with its different types of deer, ducks and even two pelicans which
were a present from the Russian Ambassador.
By the 1700s the park was in a serious state of disrepair and
notorious for prostitutes . During the 1800s gas lightening was introduced
throughout the park and the lake was remodelled to its present shape. Later it
was decided to dredge the lake and put in a concrete bottom making the lake 4ft
deep. There are now over 30 different types of bird around the lake. The park is
very central to many attractions around London and is a lovely place to have a
picnic in the summer.
Along with all the different birds, pelicans and swans (which
are lovely to see when they are tiny chicks) you can also feed the squirrels which
will come up and take the nuts out of your hands.
You are central to Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade,
Clarence House, Changing of the Guard, the Mall and a short walk to Piccadilly,
Convent Garden and Trafalgar Square. In the summer bands often play music in the
bandstand.
My kids love this park and even if its rains they still want to feed the
ducks.
