'Kensington Palace at the time of Victoria', (1901). View of Kensington Palace in London during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Originally built in the 17th century as the residence of the Earl of Nottingham, Kensington Palace was acquired by King William III in 1689. The King desired a residence close to London but away from its smoky air which aggravated his asthma. At the time Kensington was a village outside the capital and fitted the bill perfectly. The palace was improved and extended by Sir Christopher Wren and a carriage road was built connecting it with Hyde Park Corner. From "The Illustrated London News Record of the Glorious Reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901: The Life and Accession of King Edward VII. and the Life of Queen Alexandra". [London, 1901]