Finsbury Park
Popularly known as a recent venue for rock concerts, the park itself was opened in 1869 by Sir John Thwaites as a public recreation ground and promenade for the working classes. It was laid out with ornamental walks and flower gardens occupying about 120 acres.It actually ought to be called Hornsey Park as it is some miles away from Finsbury itself, with the districts of Holloway and Islington in between.
'The Act sanctioning the formation of this park was passed so far back as 1857. The site is what was formerly known as Hornsey Wood, which is associated with many interesting events in the history of North London. It commands a view of Wood Green, Highgate, the Green Lanes, and other suburban retreats. The ground has a gentle southern slope, from Highgate on the west; and is skirted on the south by the Seven Sisters Road and the east by the Green Lanes. The Great Northern Railway bounds it by a cutting and embankment on the western side, and latterly the London, Edgware, and Highgate Railway has been made with a station adjoining the park. There are several pleasant walks and drives, and in the centre of the park a trench has been cut, into which water will be brought from the New River, and in this way a pretty artificial lake will be added to the other attractions. The cost of the freehold land was about £472 per acre. The funds were principally raised by a loan, in 1864, of £50,000, at 4½ per cent, for thirty years, and £43,000 borrowed on debenture in 1868.' - Illustrated London News, 1869The New River cuts through the north-east corner of the park, separating the cricket pitch from the rest of the park. Opened in 1613 to bring fresh water from Amwell Springs in Hertfordshire to London.
Starting near Finsbury Park station and running up the west side of the park to Alexandra Palace is the Parkland Walk.