London City Parks Walks 3: Regent's Park

Focus: Regent’s Park and surrounding environs

Historical Context

• Medieval Times: Part of the Middlesex forest is under the control of the abbey at Westminster.
• Tudor Times: In 1536, with the dissolution of the monasteries, Henry VIII acquires this land and uses the park areas for a hunting ground not far from Whitehall. This becomes his "Camp David"—a place for him to take visiting dignitaries overnight for a hunt and a feast at his manor house.
• Stuart Times: During the time of the Protestant Interregnum, the park ceases to be royal land. Much of the forest is cut down and harvested from lots sold to private bidders. After the Restoration of the monarchy, Charles II regains the land and uses it to pay off political debts. It is parcelled off as farmland.
• Georgian Times: The park becomes a center of intense farming activity, primarily hay and dairy farming, with some market gardening. It is covered with small holdings and short-term leases. The clay and gravel soil is sold for bricks. In 1811, the land reverts to the Crown. Under the direction of the Regent (George IV), John Nash initiates the construction of a new park. Regent’s canal is built to connect the Grand Junction Canal, which ended at Little Venice, with the London Docks. The London Zoo is added in 1828.
• Modern Times: World War II bombing necessitates the rebuilding of many of the Nash Terraces. Queen Mary’s Gardens are added.
  

Places to Visit in This Area When You Have More Time

Madame Tussaud’s, Sherlock Holmes Museum, the London Planetarium, the Open-Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Camden Town, St. John’s Wood.