t James Park is the oldest and perhaps the most beautiful of all royal parks in London, located near the Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards. Its present-day appearance is the work of a talented designer – John Nash, who implemented the ideas of the English Landscape style. 

The initial construction of the park, meant originally to be a deer park, was begun in 1532 by Henry VIII. It is believed that the name of the palace-and-park ensemble is derived from the Hospital of St. James for leper women which operated in the 13th century and on the site of which St James Park was built. 

In the 17th century, Charles II ordered the construction of a canal and brought waterfowl such as geese and pelicans, a tradition which has been preserved up to present day. 

The pelicans on Duck Island are still a major attraction for visitors who feel at ease among the colorful flowerbeds while enjoying the view of the Whitehall across the lake.