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Finsbury Park, an open space of about 120 acres, has been recently formed from the old grounds of Hornsey Wood House. It is carefully laid out and when the trees, &c., have had time to grow, will be a very pretty spot. NEAREST Railway Station, Finsbury-pk. Omnibus Routes, Seven Sisters’-road and Green Lanes.

Charles Dickens (Jr.), Dickens's Dictionary of London, 1879

FINSBURY PARK, HOLLOWAY. A recent formed park on high ground in North London. It is about 120 acres in extent and covers the site of Hornsey Wood. The park is tastefully laid out in walks, drives, recreation ground, lake, &c.; the New River runs through one corner. In November there is an excellent display of chrysanthemums. Trains from Farringdon Street and King's Cross; or Broad Street, City. Also by omnibus or tramcar.

Reynolds' Shilling Coloured Map of London, 1895

FINSBURY PARK consists of about 120 acres, which once formed the site and grounds of Hornsey Wood House. It has only recently been laid out, and rather parsimoniously, and consequently does not yet possess the beauty of the older Parks, but the opportunity seems to have been missed for fine avenues of trees, notably on the side parallel to the Seven Sisters Road.

George Birch, The Descriptive Album of London, c.1896