Rotten Row, Historic equestrian road in Hyde Park, London, England
Rotten Row is an equestrian track on the south side of Hyde Park with a sand-covered surface. The path runs for a considerable distance and remains popular with riders of all experience levels today.
The track was created in 1690 by William III to connect Kensington Palace with St. James's Palace. It became one of Britain's first artificially lit thoroughfares.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the road functioned as a gathering place where upper-class Londoners displayed their horses and social status.
The track is accessible for riders, and nearby stables offer horse rentals and lessons. It helps to check available riding times in advance and wear suitable clothing.
The name comes from the French 'Route du Roi,' meaning King's Road, and was transformed through sound shifts over centuries. This linguistic change reflects how the place has been used and remembered.
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