Bulletin 62 marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the HHS in 1971, and while we could not celebrate the occasion as we had hoped, due to the pandemic, maybe this issue, with its special cover, afforded some consolation.
Highgate
The Archway Inquiry: A First Hand Account
This article by Pamela Jefferys links with two previous ones on the history of the Archway Road and Highgate which were written in connection with the Archway Road Inquiry 1973. This had been prompted by a proposal to develop a motorway-standard dual carriageway road from the Wellington pub junction, north of Highgate village, and the old London County Council boundary at Archway Bridge. That proposal would have meant, (i) the demolition of about 170 houses and shops, (ii) increased deterioration in the environment, (iii) a blight on property and on the lives of many people in the area.
Highgate Common and the Development of the Archway Road Community: Part Two
The extension of the Great Northern Railway and the opening of Highgate Station in 1867 caused a rush of development and in the next twenty years streets devoured most of the fields.
Highgate Common and the Development of the Archway Road Community: Part One
By Elizabethan times Highgate was an established hamlet on the hill that formed a western boundary to the Parish of Hornsey. Residences for City merchants were built on this healthy eminence and cottages for those who tilled the soil and served the big houses.
William Wallace and ‘The Flying Spur’ plaque in Southwood Lane, Highgate
In Memory of Malcolm Stokes, long standing and much-valued member of the HHS Publications Committee, who passed away on 19th July. Malcolm lived at Southwood Park, on the site of Southwood Court, where the William Wallace plaque can still be seen in the boundary wall on Southwood Lane. Our condolences to Isobel, his widow.
From Our Archive: Newsletter 6, January 1972
Lockdown in Highgate
We are hoping to add to our Lockdown Gallery of images with a collection of people’s written accounts of their experiences during the Lockdown period. In this way we hope to have a written as well as a visual record of these months.
People and Places-William Jeakes
As the Old Schoolhouse is closed for the time being, we thought we’d share some extracts from HHS publications over the coming weeks and months. People and Places ; Lost Estates in Highgate, Hornsey and Wood Green is a collection of essays edited by Joan Schwitzer which was published by the HHS in 1996.
The Saga of Cromwell House
From Our Archive: Newsletter 38, December 1986 and Newsletter 40, August 1987
Cromwell House on Highgate Hill is the only Grade 1 listed building in the former Borough of Hornsey. Never connected with Oliver Cromwell, the house owes its status mainly to its magnificent grand staircase dating from 1638 which is decorated with carved newel posts of military figures. Currently the house is occupied by the High Commission of Ghana. Its history has been a chequered one and was covered in our newsletter in the 1980s by Peter Barber.
Historic Highgate Guided Walk
Meet at the Highgate Society at 2.15 for a walking tour of the historic sites of Highgate, finishing with tea and cake at the Society’s hall.