26 THE APOTHECARIES' GARDEN 



But for a few yards the old river still flows in 

 the open air, passing out of the Serpentine 

 through a pleasant dell with grass banks, 

 yellow iris, water lilies and moorhens before 

 disappearing under Rotten Row. 



In 1673 the great Military Hospital with its 

 wide open grounds destined to be a future 

 neighbour of the Physic Garden had not yet 

 been planned by Wren. Sir Stephen Fox and 

 Evelyn had not obtained the King's consent. 



The long King's Road was being finished. 

 It was made for Charles II, who wanted a 

 direct way from Whitehall to Hampton Court 

 Palace, where French gardeners were busy 

 laying out the gardens. 



Starting from the west gate of St. James's 

 Park and passing the Mulberry Garden, lately 

 planted by James I (now Buckingham Palace 

 Garden), it curved to the right, and leaving some 

 wet ground about Eaton Square on the left, and 

 ponds in Belgrave Square on the right, it turned 

 to the south about the west end of Eaton Place. 



At Sloane Square it crossed the West- 

 bourne, replacing the old footbridge, of evil 

 reputation for robberies, with one strong enough 

 to bear the King's coach. 



Here it entered the Manor of Chelsea, and 

 being on firm ground, was carried on in a 

 straight line through the fields towards Fulham 

 dividing Chelsea in two. 



It was well made, gravelled, and maintained 

 at the expense of the Crown. The King must 

 have found it an easier road than the old one 

 through the rowdy village of Knightsbridge and 

 the puddles and ruts of the Hammersmith Road. 



