The land now occupied by Princes Park once formed part of the Crumbles.  This was a large area of 'fossil' shingle storm beach that extended for several miles along this part of the south coast. Until around the 1800's there was little human activity in the area but at that time the threat of French invasion caused the MartelloTowers to be built and gunnery ranges to be set up.  The low round towers still form prominent landmarks although they were never used for their purpose.  By 1900 Eastbourne town was quite rapidly expanding eastwards and the area of the park became known as Gilbert's Recreation ground after the owner's name. In 1906/07 Mr Davis Gilbert agreed to lease approximately 28 acres to Eastbourne Corporation. This was to have been for 50 years at an annual rent of £5.00. However, on the15th August 1922 the Gilbert Recreation ground and 'land adjoining' (The Oval) were conveyed to the corporation for £2,200. On the 30th of June 1931 the Duke of Windsor, as Prince of Wales, later to become King, visited the park to plant a tree, an evergreen oak, and shortly after the park was renamed 'Princes Park' in his honour.