The Serpentine (also known as the
Serpentine River) is a recreational lake in
Hyde Park, London, England, created in 1730 at the behest of
Queen Caroline. Although it is common to refer to the entire body of water as the Serpentine, strictly the name refers only to the eastern half of the lake. Serpentine Bridge, which marks the boundary between Hyde Park and
Kensington Gardens, also marks the Serpentine's western boundary; the long and narrow western half of the lake is known as
the Long Water. The Serpentine takes its name from its snakelike, curving shape, although it only has one bend.