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 Green
Park once formed part of Henry VIII's hunting grounds.
In the 17th century Charles II
had it converted (like St James's Park) into a Royal Park.
The park was the site of a number of early balloon ascents
and firework extravaganzas. Handel's
'Music for the Royal Fireworks' (celebrating the Peace of
Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748) was written for the most famous of
these pyrotechnical displays.
During the 18th century Green
Park was also a favourite site for duels. In 1771 the
poet Alfieri was wounded in a duel by his mistress's husband,
Viscount Ligonier. However, Alfieri's injuries did not
prevent him dashing back to the Haymarket Theatre in time
to watch the last act of a play!
Green Park is so-called because
of the absence of flowers.
However, the natural undulating
landscape of grass and trees has a spectacular display of
daffodils in the spring.
Its mature trees and grassland
offer a tranquil retreat from the congested centre of London
and its leafy paths a popular venue for early-morning joggers
from the Mayfair hotels.
Admission free
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Green Park 