The site of Hyde Park was used for Aboriginal Ceremonies up to the 1820s. From the start of the colony, it was used as a common. A “common” is land usually in private ownership but used by everyone. In effect a common is used “in common” with the other residents of the area. As in England the colonists could grazing cattle, cut or gathering fire wood etc.

The park was used for a variety of purposes including an Army exercise ground, a Cricket ground and for horse racing. In 1810 Governor Macquarie proclaimed the site as Park at which point it ceased to be a common. Macquarie named it Hyde Park after its famous namesake in London.

Various “Improvement committees” have improved the site. The park was grassed over and paths laid out and monuments began to appear. The next major problem came in 1919 with the tunnel for the City Circle which passed directly under Hyde Park. 

Two major buildings were added after the completion of the tunnelling. The Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park North and the War Memorial in the south end of the park.