Described as a green oasis in the heart of the city, the playground occupies the site of the original Foundling Hospital established by Captain Thomas Coram in 1739.

When, in the 1920's the hospital was relocated outside London, the land was sold to a developer who demolished the hospital building itself leaving only the single storey colonnaded Georgian buildings. Following a campaign and lengthy fundraising by local people the land was turned into London's first public children's playground.

It was opened under its new name "Coram's Fields" in 1936. Since then it has continued to flourish, often in very difficult circumstances, to become the jewel it is today. Coram's Fields continues to celebrate diversity and to promote a safe yet stimulating environment for London's children to enjoy.