The rectangular shape of the garden reflects its origins as one of the additional markets, with Cumberland Market, planned by John Nash to serve the Regent's Park in the 1820s, although it was never developed as such. It is described on Horwood's map of 1799 as York Market, bisected by Osnaburgh Street, and in the early C19th as York Square. The old square was described by Summerson as 'strikingly beautiful.' Modern low-rise council blocks replace the former C19th terraces. The garden, divided by Osnaburgh Street, was leased by the Crown to the LCC who opened it to the public in June 1906, laid out with walks and seats. It is preserved under the London Squares and Enclosures (Preservation) Act, 1906, which prohibits building on the ground. In 1928 it was described as divided into two parts by Osnaburgh Street. The Eastern portion had 'a cemented playground with a few trees', and the Western portion consisted of 'a grass lawn with a flower bed in the centre.'