The churchyard surrounding St. John's Church, Horsleydown, Southwark, was on Monday permanently thrown open to the public as a recreation-ground. The churchyard, which is one of the largest in the metropolis, has been laid out with paths and flower beds, the tombstones having being taken up and placed against a wall at the end of the ground. The principal walks are shaded by noble trees, beneath which seats are placed, given by the National Health Society and the Kyrle Society.

Source: The Illustrated London News, July 8, 1882, p.42