Holland Park was originally a 500 acre estate around Holland House which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century.
During the early 19th century large parts of the estate were sold off and developed for housing.
As the area surrounding the site became more developed throughout the late 19th century, the most southerly part of the Holland Estate gradually became dislocated to provide privacy and enclosure from the busy urban environment of Kensington High Street.
By the early 20th century this area had become completely detached from the rest of the estate by woodland and 1953 saw the creation of the Commonwealth Institute site in the most south westerly point.