TRIAL WEBSITE: History
We have put together this part of the website to help further understand the breadth of history in our town. We’d love you to explore it, check it, question it, and tell us what’s missing. You can email us at history@lovebarnet.co.uk
Erected by Sir Jeremy Sambrook in 1740, this sandstone obelisk marks the area associated with the Battle of Barnet of 14 April 1471. Its inscription records Edward IV’s victory over the Earl of Warwick, a decisive moment in the Wars of the Roses. The 1840 the monument was moved 180 meters to its present loaction (source).
Barnet’s chartered market dates to 23 August 1199, when King John granted rights to the Abbot of St Albans. Today it trades at the Rear of The Spires Shopping Centre on Stapylton Road – see the market site for details.
Centuries-old fair long associated with Barnet’s market town heritage. Explore histories and vintage film clips of the fair via the linked sources.
High Barnet is a Northern line terminus in Chipping Barnet, 10.2 miles north-northwest of Charing Cross and lying within Travelcard Zone 5. Originally opened in 1872 by the Great Northern Railway, it became part of the London Underground network in 1940 under the “Northern Heights” scheme.
Originally installed and opened in August 1885 by local benefactor Ann Pagent, it was restored and opened again in April 2023 campaigned for by local shopkeeper Peter Wanders in April 2023.
“High Barnet’s iconic street furniture includes a granite cattle trough just across the road from the Black Horse public house” (Source: Barnet Society). “Granite cattle trough on pedestal supports at each end with a single bell-profiled finial at one end. Erected by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain & Cattle Trough Association. The ironwork for the drinking fountain has been removed. Of social interest and it is now a flower trough.” (Source: Barnet Local List 2020)
Opened in 2016, New Ground is the UK’s first senior co-housing community exclusively for women, located off Union Street. See the site and videos for design and resident life.
The Spires opened in May 1989 on Barnet High Street, built around the twin spires of the former High Barnet Methodist Church. The church’s foundation stone was laid in 1891 (by Miss Wyburn of Hadley Manor). The shopping centre has a mix of national names and independents. Check the centre’s website for current stores, events, and opening hours.
Private residence on Wood Street. Whalebones Cottage, first appears on Middlesex Sheet VI, Surveyed: 1863 to 1866, Published: 1868
Barnet and Monken Hadley’s almshouse tradition spans several charities and sites, from Eleanor Palmer to Ravenscroft (Jesus Hospital). Follow the links for overviews and individual histories.
Park pavilion with an active local campaign for repair and reuse. See Friends of Tudor Park & Pavilion for updates and a short history audio.
A private house. No access to the General Public. “To the north of Hadley is our very own stately home, Wrotham Park, a Palladian mansion designed by Isaac Ware in 1754 and built by Admiral John Byng, the fourth son of Admiral Sir George Byng. It is a private house and is still owned by the Byng family. It is open to the public by appointment on Open House Weekend in September each year. ” (source: Barnet Society) Image: (source).
With a timber-frame dating from 1360, 54a High Street, Barnet, is currently considered to be the oldest shop in Barnet and the second oldest timber framed building in London.
Tudor Hall in Wood Street, Chipping Barnet, was built around 1577 as the original home of Queen Elizabeth’s School under a charter granted in 1573. It is a Grade II listed building. Not currently open to the public. (Image Source)
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