Park Lane was famous for centuries a narrow road bounded on its west side by a high brick wall enclosing Hyde Park. It was not until the 1820's with the building of Decimus Burton's Hyde Park Corner entrance and new gates and railings did Park Lane become a fashionable area. The residents being rich and famous, Park Lane was celebrated in the works of Thackeray and Trollope. Park Lane is now famous for its first class hotels.