London Sightseeing

Sights of London about the South Garden of Kensington Palace

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South Garden

Picture: London South Garden

The Garden

From its earliest days as a royal residence, Kensington Palace possessed ornate, Baroque gardens on its south side, comprising elaborate gravel path, low clipped hedges and carefully shaped trees. In the early 18th century a fountain was installed and a small stone alcove was located near the road, facing the palace. However, these gardens were expensive to maintain and soon fell out of fashion. In 1725 they were replaced by a simple layout of lawns and gravel paths. During the 19th century, the public was allowed greater access to Kensington Gardens and it became necessary to erect a barrier in front of the palace. The present railings and gilded gates were introduced in the 1980's and were the focus of massive public mourning following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. continue about Kensington Palace and a 1713 view of South Garden.

The statue inscription: William III of Orange King of Great Britain and Ireland 1689 - 1702, presented by William II German Emperor and King of Prussia to King Edward VII for the British Nation, 1907.