Finsbury Park was opened on 9th August 1869.
Before the Park the area was called Hornsey Wood and had a wood, a meadow, a lake and a Tavern. It was a place people walked out of London to on Sunday for relaxation.
The park was created by the Metropolitan Board of Works to replace Finsbury Fields, for the people of Finsbury, hence the name.
In the early 1900's the Park had chrysanthemum houses, a band stand, a putting green, athletics, cycling, free concerts, a refreshment house and a steam boat on the lake. It attracted thousands of people at the weekends.
The Park is now run by Haringey Council, who took over from the GLC. Some of its features are currently being restored with Heritage Lottery Fund Money.
More about Finsbury Park and our Park Project here
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