History of Queen's Park

Queen's Park, established in 1879 to host the Royal Agricultural Society's International Exhibition, was inaugurated by Queen Victoria.

Today, the remaining 30-acre public expanse was originally a portion of the agricultural exhibition grounds. Originally owned by the Church Commissioners, the park is now under the stewardship of its current owners, the Corporation of London.

In 1887, Alexander McKenzie, one of London's leading park designers at the time, crafted the design and layout for Queen's Park on behalf of the City of London Corporation. McKenzie, also known for designing various public parks such as the Alexandra Palace and serving as its inaugural superintendent, was also the bailiff of Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches.

Queen's Park is a testament to McKenzie's penchant for naturalistic landscapes, devoid of any straight lines or architectural elements. His initial layout plan from 1887 illustrates his abundant use of tree planting and shrubberies with natural borders, set against vast open lawns serving as areas for recreation and sport .

The most spectacular remnant of the original park architecture is the 1891 bandstand. It was made in cast iron by Macfarlane and Co. of Glasgow. In 1992 it was restored and is now Grade II listed. The photo above shows the bandstand in 1905 and is part of the Brent Museum and Archives.

Other notable features include the Lych Gate which dates back to 1936 and was build to mark King George V's Coronation Jubilee. It was once the main gate to Queen's park but has since been closed off and is used as a seating area in the Quiet Garden. A veteran Oak and Hawthorn tree can also be found in the Park which are remnants of the original hedgerow which pre-dates the Park. 

The City of London Corporation takes immense pride in safeguarding and maintaining Queen's Park, ensuring it remains a cherished space for the residents of London and continues to be enjoyed by future visitors.