John Innes (1829-1904) lived in Manor House, Watery Lane, the
grounds of which are now the John Innes Park. His name has become
famous through his bequest which founded, in Merton Park, the first
horticultural research institute in the country.
 A businessman and a property developer, John Innes had some
enlightened ideas. In contrast to the rows of terraced houses elsewhere
in Wimbledon, he laid out this early Garden Suburb with tree-lined
roads. Houses were built in a pleasing variety of sizes and styles, and
linked by the holly hedges that are still a feature today.