This Spot Of Ground, It Is Said, Was Anciently An
Island, A Branch Of The Thames Running Through The Park
From west to
east, and falling into the main river again about Whitehall, which
island was originally called Thorney Island,
From the woods and
bushes that covered it; the abbey or minster also was at first
called Thorney Abbey or minster, from the island on which it stood.
St. James's Park is something more than a mile in circumference, and
the form pretty near oval; about the middle of it runs a canal 2,800
feet in length and 100 in breadth, and near it are several other
waters, which form an island that has good cover for the breeding
and harbouring wild ducks and other water-fowl; on the island also
is a pretty house and garden, scarce visible to the company in the
park. On the north side are several fine walks of elms and limes
half a mile in length, of which the Mall is one. The palace of St.
James's, Marlborough House, and the fine buildings in the street
called Pall Mall, adorn this side of the park. At the east end is a
view of the Admiralty, a magnificent edifice, lately built with
brick and stone; the Horse Guards, the Banqueting House, the most
elegant fabric in the kingdom, with the Treasury and the fine
buildings about the Cockpit; and between these and the end of the
grand canal is a spacious parade, where the horse and foot guards
rendezvous every morning before they mount their respective guards.
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