Kensington Gardens

A Topographical and Statistical description of the County of Middlesex ,etc (1810) by George Alexander Cooke

The site of the manor of Hyde constitutes, no doubt, Hyde Park, which adjoins to Knightsbridge, on the north, lying between the two roads which lead to Hounslow and - Uxbridge. Hyde Park was seized among the crown lands, soon after the death of Charles 1. and was excepted from sale, with some other royal demesnes, by an ordinance of parliament in 1649. Three years afterwards it was resolved that Hyde Park, with some other lands, should be sold. After the Restoration, when the crown lands were resumed into the king's hands, this park was replenished with deer, and surrounded with a brick wall, having before that time been fenced with pales. The park has been considerably reduced in extent since the survey above-mentioned, partly by the building of dwelling houses, but principally by the making of Kensington Gardens. Its present extent, according to a survey taken in 1790 is 394 a. 2r. 38 p. In the upper part of the park adjoining to Kensington Gardens, are some fine trees, and the scenery is very pleasing. The large canal called the Serpentine river (which has so often proved fatal to adventurous skaiters and desponding suicides) was made about the year 1730, by order of Queen Caroline.

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