Hyde Park The largest of London Parks extending to over 340 acres. In 1536 Henry VIII appropriated the monastic property of Ebury, Neate and Hyde and retained Hyde as a hunting ground. At the beginning of the seventeenth century the park was opened to the public. It soon became fashionable and remained a favourite place for Royalty to ride. The nineteenth century saw Hyde Park reach its peak as a place for society to parade. Hyde Park has been the setting for military encampments, duels, celebrations, firework displays and most notably, the Great Exhibition of 1851 in the Crystal Palace.