Pleasures of the Park

A fashionable parade and a scene of sporting contests, St James’s Park was first enclosed by Henry VIII. Marjorie Sykes describes the history of the park, including how James I kept a menagerie and aviary there, to which Charles II added pelicans.

St James's Park, 1745. Attributed to Joseph NickollsSt James’s Park has been the scene of a surprising number of activities since it was enclosed by Henry VIII out of a marshy piece of ground, flooded by the Thames at spring tides, on which stood a leper hospital for women.

To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.

Buy Online Access  Buy Print & Archive Subscription

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.