The Regent's Park

The Regent’s Park was first appropriated by Henry VIII for use as a hunting ground. Back then it was known as Marylebone Park and was pretty much left in its natural state. Today’s familiar layout is a comparatively modern. It was designed in 1811 by popular architect John Nash. The park covers 166 hectares and consists of sports fields, lakes, planted gardens and pavilions.

Garry and I went for a wander through the park yesterday, exploring almost every corner. I hadn’t appreciated how vast and varied the grounds actually were. One place that really captured my attention was Queen Mary's Gardens in the Inner Circle.

Here we saw dozens and dozens of spectacular rose beds. Of course, at this time of year the bushes are bare and heavily pruned. However, it’s clear that this area is stunning when everything is in bloom. We’ll definitely be back in Spring for another look. The same garden is also home to a dramatic fountain of Triton which shoots a jet of water several metres into the air.

Winfield House, the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stands in private grounds in western section of the park. This is one of several villas that John Nash originally created for use by the Regent and his closest circle of friends. The immediate area is heavily guarded. I must admit that machine-gun totting cops were the last thing I'd expected to see in the park today.

Nearby is the gold domed London Central Mosque, which is visible from large sections of the park. The mosque was completed in 1978. Its main hall holds almost two thousand worshippers. The muslim community appears to be far more visible in London than any other European city.