Manor house library is situated in beautiful grounds in the Lee district of London S.E.12. The stunning building which houses the library, built in 1772 and known as Manor House was originally built for Thomas Lucas, and bought by the Baring in 1796. The grounds were modified to form a public park, which was formally opened to the public on Whit Monday, 19th May 1902. The park soon became so popular that in 1904 local residents complained about the noise made by the bands playing on Sunday evenings, and the crowds attracted by them.

It is not known when the lake was first dug although there is a reference to a 'sheet of water' in the sale particulars of 1796. The lake must have proved useful during cold snaps in providing ice for the ice house which still exists today.