[1] Although so named because John Cator the younger established the park between 1757/60 and 1785 and acquired the rights of the Manor of Beckenham, it transpires that most of the land in the current park was in the neighbouring Manor of Foxgrove and some nearby Lewisham Lands that once belonged to the Forsters of Southend, Lewisham and the Earl of Rockingham/Sondes/Lees Court estate.
[2] Records show John Cator acquired land here as early as 1757 and built his house by 1762 on part of the neighbouring Foxgrove Manor.
The ownership of Foxgrove Manor was under Sir Francis Leigh of Hawley until 1712, then passed through the Tolson, Tilly, Bridges, Groves, and Timewell families as divided lands.
The association is unlikely but Cator's father in law, Peter Collinson, had met Linnaeus in 1735/36 and continued a lifelong correspondence with him exchanging plant specimens and philosophical discussions.
Beckenham Place Park is considered one of the finest wildlife sites in the borough, containing ancient woodland as well as a variety of other habitats.
[2] The park underwent a £6.8 million regeneration in 2019, which saw the closure of the public golf course, and opening of a wild swimming lake, and BMX track.