Dulwich was known to exist as a hamlet in 967AD and the word Dulwich in old English literally means "where dill grows." In the later Victorian era 'American Gardens' were becoming popular so an "American Garden' was designed in 1887 and opened to the public in 1890. Queen Mary enjoyed her visits here to see the Rhododendrons and Azaleas; she in fact made an annual visit every year in May! Although a much loved park by Queen Mary, it is not a Royal Park like our eight Royal Parks in and around London.