The park was formerly part of the Manor of Rothamsted, owned by Sir John Lawes. He initiated agricultural experiments in 1843, which led to the founding of the nearby Rothamsted Experimental Station. He also created the formal entrance from Leyton Road to what is now the Park and planted the avenue of Lime trees in 1931.  Seven years later the Harpenden Urban District Council purchased the land now known as Rothamsted Park from the Experimental Station, in order to provide playing fields and to preserve an important open space.