As a partner to Aquatics Centre for the swimming events at the 2012 Olympics, Hyde Park is definitely a different type of venue. For starters, the two facilities opened 374 years apart. Hyde Park traces its origins back 100 years before the official opening, however, as the verdant area was purchased for use as a hunting ground by Henry VIII in 1536; Charles I opened the park to the general public in 1637.
The iconic, wave-like roof of Aquatics Centre is contrasted at Hyde Park by the open sky, a reminder of swimming’s early Olympic origins. The Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park will be the host of men’s and women’s marathon swimming during the Games of the XXX Olympiad, and dates back almost three centuries. George II’s wife, Queen Caroline, had the lake created in 1730 as part of major renovations to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Find out more about Hyde Park below, including the name of the unique triangular gallows which was used to carry out the executions of various felons, as well as which famous palaces are located within the park’s neighborhood.
Olympic events hosted: triathlon and marathon swimming for men and women
Capacity for marathon swimming: temporary seating is approximately 3,000; however, if you get to the park early enough you may be able to view the race for free (without a ticket) from one of the open access spectator areas
Dates of competition: Thursday, August 9 (women); Friday, August 10 (men)
Length of marathon swimming course: 10km
Competition format: 25 women, 25 men; races are straight finals (no heats or preliminaries); competitors will complete six timed laps of the course and slap an overhead board to record overall time
Name of watercourse: The Serpentine Lake
Year opened to public: 1637 (park), 1730 (lake)
Location and contact information: Hyde Park Office, Rangers Lodge, Hyde Park London W2 2UH; Phone: +44 (0)300 061 2000 Email: hyde@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
Other Hyde Park activities during the Olympics: Opening and Closing Ceremony Celebration concerts featuring Duran Duran, Snow Patrol, Blur, New Order, and more; BT London Live which allows free viewing of Olympic events on large screens; London 2012 Shop at Hyde Park; Arica Village; and Sochi Park, a preview of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games to be held in Sochi, Russia.
Events outside of the Olympics: ITU World Triathlon Series (London stage); Peter Pan Cup, a 100 yard swimming contest which has been held on Christmas morning since 1864 and is only open to members of the Serpentine Swimming Club
Historical sites in and around Hyde Park: Kensington Gardens (which blends with Hyde Park but is separated by The Serpentine); Kensington Palace; Buckingham Palace; Royal Albert Hall; Speakers’ Corner; Princess Diana Memorial Fountain; Rotten Row; various museums, cultural exhibitions, and play areas.
Tyburn Gallows: From 1196 until 1759, Tyburn was the location of hundreds (if not thousands) of public executions. In 1571, the six-meter tall Tyburn Gallows was erected which was shaped like a triangle. The shape allowed for multiple hangings at once, up to as many as 24 people at one time. The site of the gallows is near the northeast corner of Hyde Park, marked with a plaque on a traffic island near where Marble Arch now stands. In fact, it is said that Speakers’ Corner evolved from the final speeches of the condemned and the debates which these last words created, since they were usually infused with government and religious themes.
Other content by this contributor:
London 2012 Summer Olympics Swimming: Michael Phelps and His Incredible Diet
Summer Olympics Water Polo: Ten Terms to Know
2012 London Olympics Guide to North Greenwich Arena: Home of Artistic Gymnastics and Trampoline
The author has been an Olympic fan since the Los Angeles Games in 1984. A player, coach, official and fan of various sports, he loves the complete spectacle which only the Olympics can offer.
