Is separated from Kensington Gardens by a sunk fence, and in 1726 was walled on the south, north, and east sides.
The surface of this vast plain is rough, dusty, and disagreeable, from former ill-usage by the hoofs of cavalry, and the marches and counter marches of infantry. Attempts, however, have been made to improve the appearance of the ground, by sowing grass-seed on the manure which has been taken from the bottom of the adjoining pieces of water, and planting groups of trees.
The Serpentine River was begun by the royal command in 1730, under the direction of Charles Withers, esq., surveyor general of his majesty's woods, &c. On his death, Mr. Kimberley received queen Caroline's directions to complete the Serpentine River in 1733. And the present road, adjoining Knightsbridge wall, was made in l734, to evade the clouds of dust which the old road raised near Kensington Gardens, and which greatly incommoded the royal family, who principally resided in that pleasant spot.
Source: Leigh's New Picture of London. Printed for Samuel Leigh, 18, Strand;
by W. Clowes, Northumberland Court. 1819