William, who was much attached to this palace, divided his time between Hampton Court and Kensington.
In the month of February, 1702, he was thrown from his horse and brought back to Kensington, where he died March 8, 1702, in the 52nd year of his age.
Queen Ann and Prince George of Denmark were the next inhabitants of the palace. The Queen died here August 1, 1714.
In the reign of George I. the palace was much altered and improved. George II. died in this palace 25th October, 1760, aged 77.
The State Apartments were not occupied afterwards.
The lower apartments, in the south-east portion of the palace, were for some years occupied by the late Duke and Duchess of Kent, and on the 24th May, 1819, an infant princess was born here, who is now our beloved
QUEEN VICTORIA.
Kensington Gardens.—“Bewick” writes, 1705: “Whatever is deficient in the house is made up in the gardens. There is a noble collection of foreign plants—every inch is well improved—the whole, with the house, not being above 26 acres. Her Majesty (Queen Ann) has been pleased to add near 30 acres more toward the north. Upon this spot nearly 100 men work daily.”
In George Second’s reign Queen Caroline threw a string of ponds in Hyde Park into one, so as to form what is called the Serpentine River.
Her Majesty also added 300 acres from Hyde Park.