View of the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, from the Park

Greenwich Park was formed in 1417 when Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, enclosed one hundred and ninety acres around his manor house. The Palace of Greenwich which was subsequently built on the site was the birthplace and favourite residence of Henry King VIII, and his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. In 1605 King James I gave the park and palace to his queen, Queen Anne of Denmark, and so began the complex accumulation of buildings, beginning with the Queen's House, that culminated in the construction of the Royal Hospital by King Charles II, the domes of which are depicted here.

The view, to the west and north, with the towers of Westminster Abbey punctuating the horizon in the centre of the picture, and the dome of St. Pauls visible under the rainbow to the right, was a favourite of artists since the 16th century. Unfortunately, little is known of Willis, the artist in this instance.