[1] Avery Hill House was a palatial dwelling built by John Thomas North (b.1842 – d.1896), who had made his fortune in the sodium nitrate trade in Chile.

[1][2] Following North's death the house was acquired by the London County Council in July 1902 and its grounds extended to create Avery Hill Park in 1903.

In 1906 North's house became Avery Hill College of Education, later incorporating two neighbouring buildings.

A campaign was started to restore the Winter Garden and protect the heritage of the Mansion, making it open to the public.

The closest National Rail stations to Avery Hill are Falconwood and New Eltham.