In Scarborough, the area known as the Plantation was frequently recommended in guidebooks as a suitable location for an afternoon stroll. Anne Bronte would likely have been familiar with the walks around the valley.
In 1860, the Town Council decided to designate the area as a public park, open to visitors and residents, calling it the Peoples' Park.
It officially opened in 1862.
The mill pond was transformed into a duck pond.
The now-derelict mill buildings were demolished.
Mill Beck was culverted, and a new road was constructed to replace what was Mill Lane.
The gardens were landscaped, and flowerbeds were established.
The gardens quickly became a popular tourist destination for the many Victorian visitors who arrived in town via the newly opened railway in 1845.