Military displays, for which Hyde Park is still famous, have taken place there from early times. The works of defence were thrown up, and Fairfax and the Parliamentary army arrived there in the times of civil strife, but soon after the Restoration Charles II. had a peaceful demonstration, and there reviewed his Life Guards. Again, in September 1668, there was a more brilliant review, when the Duke of Monmouth took command of the Life Guards, and the King and Duke of York were both present. Pepys was there, and wrote, "It was mighty noble, and their firing mighty fine, and the Duke of Monmouth in mighty rich clothes; but the well ordering of the men I understand not."
