A combination of woodland and open space, with an area adjoining the Grand Union Canal, it was created in 1924 from part of the historic estate of the 17th-century stately home Boston Manor House.

At one time, it was part of the estate of royal financier Thomas Gresham, who also owned neighbouring Osterley Park.

[1] By the late 19th century, this part of London had become urbanised and increasingly shabby, but the estate remained a rural island – containing fine views, historic trees, roses and kitchen garden.

Estate agent's particulars described a property containing glasshouses for growing melons and cucumbers, grapevines, and a 200-yard herbaceous border.

The house did not reach its reserve price so, in 1923, Colonel Clitherow sold the manor and fifty acres to Brentford Urban District Council.

[1] Thames Rivers Trust has undertaken work at the stepped weir at the park to assist the migration of elver, installing an 'elver pass' in 2012.