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Records show that an estate at Danson has probably existed since before the 13th century. At that time the estate would have been arable land, pasture and woodlands. Danson Park was originally set out as a private estate and its design has been attributed to Capability Brown.
Danson House was built in 1766 by Sir John Boyd for his second wife Catherine Chapone. Danson House was designed in the style of a classic Palladian villa by Sir Robert Taylor, who was also the architect of the Bank of England. Sir John Boyd was an immensely wealthy merchant. The park became a public open space in the early 20th Century when the Bean family sold the property to Bexley Urban District Council. The lake, seen here on the left, is one of the largest in South London.
In the 20th century, the house fell into an almost ruinous state. In 1995, English Heritage identified the house as 'the most significant building at risk in London'. The Grade I Listed Mansion has since undergone extensive restoration by English Heritage and is now open to the public.