1868

Ordnance Survey Plan First Edition shows Land south of the New Cross Road as yet still undeveloped (in terms of housing, roads, etc.)   The farming land sublet by the Haberdashers’ Company to tenants for farming (Manor Farm and Hatcham Farm) with large villas (Fairlawn, Hatcham Manor House, Field House) along the main road.

1871

First terraced houses built on Telegraph Hill.

1875

Haberdashers’ school opens adjacent to site of Telegraph Hill Park.

1889

The Kyde Society and the Earl of Meath on behalf of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association suggest a public garden adjacent to Pepys Road.

1891

Managing director of the South Metropolitan Gas Company, George Livesey, seeks to secure land and funding for a new public park.   He offers £2,000 himself towards the costs.

1891

The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association Annual Report for 1891 contains the following report: "Some time ago the Association sought to secure apart of this hill, near New Cross from being covered with houses and the Haberdashers' Company, to whom it belongs, agreed to the principle of reserving apiece as open space.  Ten acres are now to be transferred to the London County Council at cost of £8.000 towards which the Company, Council, The Greenwich District Board and a private donor each gave £2,000.”

1892

£1,000 spent on making the Park safe for public use. Lt-Col J.J. Sexby, Head of the London County Council Parks Department, designs Park.  Sexby describes the Lower Park as “a rough hillside with a with a curved grove of trees standing at the centre"

1893

Site closed for construction. £7.500 spent on landscape works, drinking fountain (presented by George Livesey), railinga (also donated by George Livesay), gates, bandstand, paths, planting, furniture, store, bothy for workmen. etc.   Summit of Telegraph Hill "prepared for children's games.. on this plot of tableland it will be possible to play lawn tennis".  Staff of five: a foreman, two constables (wardens) and two labourers (gardeners) engaged for employment in Parks once finished.
Pepys, Arbuthnot and Kitto Roads constructed but not Erlanger Road.  St Catherine’s Church opens.

1894

Park opens on an informal basis. Grand reopening ceremony in 1895.