Accounts of various incidents which are connected with this spot are given in histories of Hornsey. The most picturesque is that in which the ill-fated little King Edward V. is the central figure, overshadowed by his perfidious uncle. “The King on his way to London [from Ludlow] was on the fourth of May met at Hornsey Park (now [1756] Highgate) by Edmund Shaw, the Mayor, accompanied by the Aldermen, Sheriffs and five hundred Citizens on Horseback, richly accoutered in purple Gowns; whence they conducted him to the City; where he was received by the Citizens with a joy inexpressible.... In this solemn Cavalcade, the Duke of Gloucester’s Deportment was very remarkable; for riding before the King, uncovered, he frequently called to the Citizens, with an audible voice, to behold their Prince and Sovereign.” What a scene must the site of Finsbury Park have presented that May morning. The Londoners, incensed at Gloucester’s having taken possession of the young King, no doubt meet him with distrust and anger, and while the procession moves on towards the City he allays their suspicions, acting a part to deceive them. The trees in Finsbury are beginning to grow up, and the Park is losing the new, bare look which made it unattractive in its early years. Poplars (fast-growing trees) have been largely used. That is very well for a beginning, but others of a slower growth, but making finer timber, are the trees for the future. There is nothing very special to notice in the general laying out of the grounds, as beyond the avenue of black poplars and the lake, there are no striking features. The view from the high ground, towards Epping, adds to the attractions of this useful open space but not very interesting Park. One of the most pleasing corners is the rock garden, not far from the lake. The plants seem well established and very much at home. The green-houses, too, are well kept up, and in the gloomy seasons of the year especially are much frequented. CLISSOLD PARK Clissold, or Stoke Newington Park, is one of the parks which has the advantage of having been the grounds of a private house, and enjoys all the benefits of a well-planted suburban demesne. The old trees at once give it a certain _cachet_ that even County Council railings, notice-boards, and bird-cages cannot destroy. It has the additional charm of the New River passing through the heart of it, and, furthermore, the ground is undulating.