Peckham Rye was Peckham's largest open space. it was common land which the Camberwell vestry purchased in 1868 to prevent threatened development.

The roads fronting the Rye were built on in the early 19th century, when Peckham was a popular location for middle-class residents.

The pond on the site of the now closed lido was fed by the River Peck, which gives Peckham its name.