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.
Eleven HHS members and friends took part in an enjoyable walk round Stroud Green on October 30th, starting at Finsbury Park Station. The excellent weather gave us some splendid views from the vantage points of Finsbury Park and Mount View Road and the tour was enlivened by the reminiscences of several local members. [Read more…] about A Walk around Stroud Green
HHS members and readers probably know a lot about John Farrer and his contribution to Hornsey’s housing. He was honoured when a road was named after him. But who now remembers Edwin Lovegrove and his contribution to Hornsey’s housing, sanitation and health ? [Read more…] about Edwin James Lovegrove 1861 – 1948 Shouldn’t we honour him ?
Situated in Herbert Road N11, Shaftesbury Hall was registered in 1885 and became an Infants School in the early 1900s. It was still used by the Baptists in the late 1930s but closed in 1954. It is owned by the Samaritans and Hornsey Housing Trust who want to sell it and redevelop the site and put up a block of three one-bed flats. [Read more…] about Shaftesbury Hall in Bowes Park
The plaque commemorating Frank Matcham’s residence at 10 Hazelmere Road, Crouch End
Sunday, 17th May, was the centenary of Frank Matcham’s death, probably the most creative theatre architect the UK has produced. He was responsible for designing 150 spectacular buildings all over the country, of which 26 survive. For nine years, between 1895 and 1904, he lived at 10 Hazelmere Road, Crouch End. [Read more…] about The Centenary of a Former Crouch End Resident
This time, we follow a lively discussion from past HHS Newsletters led by John Hinshelwood about the origins of the names of the streets on the Harringay Ladder. It’s never too late to join an historical discussion so if you have any further information please add a Comment at the end of this article.[Read more…] about How did the ‘Harringay Ladder’ Roads Get Their Names?
During the coronavirus lockdown and the fine weather that accompanied it I took the opportunity to sit on my terrace in the New River Village to focus on the view of Alexandra Palace and its surrounding Park. [Read more…] about Reflections on Tottenham Wood
The death of a famous Chinese magician as the result of an accident at the Wood Green Empire in the spring of 1918 provided a hot topic for discussion in north London and beyond. [Read more…] about The Man Behind the Magician
With visits to all public venues, including Alexandra Palace, postponed for the foreseeable future as a result of the current coronavirus pandemic, we can read about an HHS outing to ‘The People’s Palace’ which provides an intriguing and evocative glimpse into the past. [Read more…] about HHS Visit to “The Secret Palace”
Once Upon a Time in Crouch End 1860 – 1980 is a Shared Learning Project organised by the Crouch and District University of the Third Age and Hornsey Historical Society. The planned display of this project, which was to be very generously accommodated by the ArtHouse Cinema in April and May has, unfortunately, had to be postponed but do look out for details in the Autumn.
