During the Covid pandemic thousands of people have walked along Alexandra Palace’s south terrace admiring the spectacular views of London. How many have noticed the two carved tablets either side of the Great Hall’s main entrance? Or realised that the Palace’s recent huge financial losses are a recurring theme of its 148 year history? [Read more…] about Knights in Shining Armour – Alexandra Palace’s Two Sir Galahad
Articles
The material on this page is organised chronologically, with the most recent additions at the top.
As well as the individually authored articles, there is also a series of 'brief histories', produced by the Society, to give a general introduction to the history of the local areas and buildings.
HHS 50th Anniversary Celebration ***Postponed***
We had intended to celebrate the HHS 50th Anniversary on Saturday 17th July in conjunction with the Crouch End Festival. [Read more…] about HHS 50th Anniversary Celebration ***Postponed***
Crouch End Opera House
Crouch End today, provides no obvious evidence that it was once the location of a theatre. You won’t see a huge auditorium that has been through various incarnations such as cinema, bingo hall, or space used for worship. The evidence is there though, at 31 Tottenham Lane nestled in amongst the shop units. [Read more…] about Crouch End Opera House
Lost Houses: Stapleton Hall, Stroud Green
We continue the series on Lost Houses of the Hornsey area with this important Stroud Green addition.
There is not much left of Stapleton Hall, but what there is became a listed monument in 1986 and now forms part of a complex of flats on Stapleton Hall Road in Stroud Green. Not far away on Crouch Hill the Stapleton Tavern uses the same name as the house and road. [Read more…] about Lost Houses: Stapleton Hall, Stroud Green
John Cathles Hill of Southwood Hall
John Cathles Hill (1857 -1915) was, ‘a very remarkable man of immense energy and vision’. So wrote his grandson, JEB Hill, in May 1997, to Joan Schwitzer, HHS Chairman. JC Hill built up large parts of North London, founded The London Brick Company and became one of the richest men of his time. He lived at Southwood Hall from 1894 until 1905. [Read more…] about John Cathles Hill of Southwood Hall
Lost Houses: Interesting Links to Southwood Hall, Highgate
Henry Virtue Tebbs Jnr.(1833-1899) was the eldest son of Henry Virtue Tebbs and his second wife Emma. In true 19th century fashion he had been given his father’s name and followed his father’s profession as a Proctor and lawyer. Not surprisingly, this has led to much confusion. However, the son’s artistic interests set him apart from his father about whom we have learned already. [Read more…] about Lost Houses: Interesting Links to Southwood Hall, Highgate
How Highgate Developed
HORNSEY IN HISTORY
A 1972 series of Hornsey Journal articles by Ian Murray, first Chairman of Hornsey Historical Society and Haringey Council Archivist. The HHS gratefully acknowledges the kind permission of Archant/Ham and High for this reproduction.
No.9: How Highgate developed
Although Highgate was the most important village by the late 17th century, and probably before, it lay only partly in Hornsey. Part of it lay in the parish of St Pancras, and as far as manorial structure is concerned, Highgate village was shared with the Manor of Cantelows, which also included Kentish Town, a sub manor of the Manor of St Pancras created in the late 13th century. [Read more…] about How Highgate Developed
Lost Houses: Henry Virtue Tebbs of Southwood Hall
We have previously looked at Southwood Hall in Highgate as part of the Lost Houses series and reference was made to two important 19th century occupants, Henry Virtue Tebbs and John Cathles Hill. This article focuses on the life of HV Tebbs (1797–1876).
[Read more…] about Lost Houses: Henry Virtue Tebbs of Southwood Hall
The Reopening of the Old Schoolhouse
We’re delighted to announce that the shop at the Old Schoolhouse will reopen on Thursday 13th May. We’ll be observing the usual COVID restrictions – social distancing, a limit of two people inside at a time and compulsory mask wearing except for those who are exempt.
Hornsey Historical Society, Old Schoolhouse, 136 Tottenham Lane, Hornsey, London N8 7EL.
The Old Schoolhouse is on the corner of Tottenham Lane and Rokesley Avenue and can be reached by Nos. 41 or W3 bus. We are open between 10.00am and 2.00pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturdays.
We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back.
Hornsey in Tudor and Stuart Times
Hornsey in History
A 1972 series of Hornsey Journal articles by Ian Murray, first Chairman of Hornsey Historical Society and Haringey Council Archivist. The HHS gratefully acknowledges the kind permission of Archant/Ham and High for this reproduction.
No.8: Hornsey in Tudor and Stuart Times
From 1603 the court rolls of the Manor of Hornsey have fortunately been preserved. They tell us a great deal about the topography of the area – roads, fields, bridges, woods and so on – as well as about owners of property. [Read more…] about Hornsey in Tudor and Stuart Times