St. Jame's Park has went through massive transformations since it was deemed a Royal Park.  It is the oldest Royal Park in London.  In 1532, Henry VIII stated that St. Jame's Park would house a population of deer for his hunting hobby.  The park stayed as a hunting ground for kings and queens until the Hanoverian period. Not long after, the park was opened to the public.  A large canal and natural- looking lake were constructed to give St. Jame's Park a romantic style and atmosphere.  Unfortunately, the romance ended during the first World War.  The biggest fear that Londoners had was that St. Jame's Park would become a target for an air raid.  St. Jame's Park is bound by Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and Westminster.  All three of these locations house the most important people in all of Britain.  The natural- looking lake was quickly drained so that no enemy pilot would be able to detect if they were flying over St. Jame's Park or not.  In March of 1915, The Times reported "that the war has begun to lay its hands upon St. Jame's Park." Turf was ripped up so that lumber and piping could reach the seven temporary war offices being construced on the park's ground. These seven buildings were: the Admiralty Building in The Mall, War Office Building in The Mall, Ministry of Shipping Canteen, Ministry of Shipping, Lake Buildings, Passport Office, Swan Lake Buildings, and the Birdcage House.  Most of these buildings were placed within the drained lake bed.  Shelters were also constructed on St. Jame's Park.  Most of these shelters were for children only or for any person in extreme emergency. By the end of 1915,  exhibits were taking place to "popularize the war."  Captured German guns, torpedoes, mines, and a lage naval gun were put on  display for London to see.

After many years, St. Jame's Park has been restored to it's former beautiful, romantic glory. Its main function today is for the public to enjoy.  It is free and open to the public to walk around or enjoy some of the historical features it hold within the park's grounds. Some of the buildings that were constructed during WWI can still be seen today. One of the most fascinating buildings is the Horse Guards.  It is the offical entrance to St. Jame's and Buckingham Palace.  The buildings is guarded by two mounted cavalry "The Queen's Life Guard" troops. Besides horses, some other animals that can be seen at St. Jame's are birds.  Pelicans, ducks, and swans have been calling St. Jame's their home since 1664.  Not in the mood to see wildlife, have no fear! St. Jame's Park houses many monuments, fountains, and statues dedicated to kings and queens of England.  St. Jame's Park is, also, one of the most picturesque of all the Royal Parks.  St. Jame's has spectacular views of The Mall and Buckingham Palace.  

Here is a website that showcases pictures of St. Jame's Park landmarks.