History of Harringay (1750–1880)

This significant period in Harringay's history witnessed the transition from a purely pastoral society and set the stage for the upheavals of the late 19th century.

The earliest effects on Harringay were to be felt as the Southernmost part of the area became an immensely popular leisure destination for Londoners.

Two sisters, a Mrs. Lloyd and a Mrs. Collier, kept the house; they were ancient women, large in size, and usually sat before their door on a seat fixed between two venerable oaks, wherein swarms of bees hived themselves.

Here the venerable and cheerful dames tasted many a refreshing cup with their good-natured customers, and told tales of bygone days, till, in very old age, one of them passed to her grave, and the other followed in a few months afterwards.

This included a much larger incarnation of the Hornsey Wood Tavern, together with a lake for fishing and boating at the top of the hill, and pleasure grounds laid out in the space created by the felling of much of the woodland.

An article in the Sportsman magazine of 1846 gave a good account of the entertainments offered: Sports of almost every kind here ready to the seeker.

Cricket, coursing, rabbit and pigeon shooting, skittles, dutch pins, four corners, quoits and rowing matches…and in the time of the third George, cock-fighting was one of its most popular attractions and was frequently patronised by that "first gentleman in the world" and accomplished scapegrace, his eldest son, who, with the Dukes of York and Clarence, Colonel Hanger, Sheridan, and a host of bon vivans (sic), often sported (here)….In 1866 the demand for public recreation spaces overtook the Hornsey Wood Tavern.

[4] Close at hand, about a half-mile to the northwest of Harringay, Alexandra Palace and its park were laid out as a popular entertainment venue for the working people of north London.

Fifteen days after it first opened, the building was gutted by fire – probably caused by some workmen who had been working on the roof of the great dome dropping lighted tobacco.

The notion that an old Tudor House had reputedly stood at the top of the hill between present-day Allison and Hewitt Roads and was apparently demolished in 1750 is most likely a misunderstanding: no historical evidence exists for an older building.

[11] Gray died in 1838 and for the rest of its life the house became the seat for a series of grandees of some of London's key financial institutions.

Immediately after Gray's death, the estate was purchased by Edward Chapman, a ship-owner, international merchant, director of the Bank of England,[12][13] and JP for Middlesex.

It is known from maps that Gray built a pair of gate lodges on Drayner’s Grove and that a grand drive swept up the hill, crossing the New River on an iron bridge, to a forecourt in front of the house.

Mid-nineteenth century writers left the following description: The house is a handsome and commodious residence seated on the summit of a conical hill and is surrounded on three sides by the New River.

The broad open entrances to the gates, with an appropriate lodge at each side produces a first impression favourable to, and in character with, the interior scenes.

The road then enters the umbrageous foliage of a large group of trees composed of oak, elm, beech and birch, then over a bridge that spans a moat-like piece of water, through a winding avenue to the east front of the house.

Something has been done to counteract this, by a fringed line of trees in the fore-ground, close to the gravelled area for turning carriages on, or what may be called the arena of honour, so that the full enjoyment of the fine views is reserved for the walks in the pleasure-ground[16]

It is a proud situation; the ascent which had been gradual, easy and delightful, is now observed from the fine table-land on the summit, to be a very elevated situation, commanding an extensive prospect over the diversified scenery of the lovely country by which it is encompassed on all sides…..diversified, with wood, water and buildings.The conservatory and greenhouse, attached to the mansion are 120 feet (37 m) long by 18 wide and 16 high: forming the two sides of a square…..In the centre area large camellia trees ….also acacias of sorts, limes, citrona (sic), cytissus, eucalyptus and epacris….The whole is heated by hot water, and forms a delightful promenade at all seasons….To the south front, on the pleasure grounds, are evergreen oaks, a tulip tree, and a handsome variegated holly… with a pleasant view of the bright waters of the New River winding through the valley.

To the right are the noble magnolia trees that have contributed to the celebrity of this place…Through the grove, that protects the mansion from the west and surly north winds, are pleasant walks that traverse the grounds and communicate with the kitchen garden.

Large evergreen trees and shrubs fringe this plantation, and produce shelter and other effects not to be disregarded in scenes of extent and of grandeur.

[24] The last tenant and final occupant of the house was Frederick William Price, at the time Chief Acting Partner in the private bank, Child & Co., one of the oldest financial institutions in the UK.

Mrs Couchman, an early twentieth century writer recalling the past, described it as a cottage, having a verandah covered with white clematis which blossomed freely every year.

[28] Finally, the 1798 map shows a building on the triangle of land today created by the meeting of St Ann’s and Salisbury Roads.

He kept an emu in the field opposite his house; children all round were very fond of going to see it….The road was enclosed with park gates at each end.

The building, which was converted for use as a lunatic asylum as in 1826,[31] remained until the late 1950s when it was demolished and a council housing estate built on the site.

In the last years of the 18th century a tile kiln was established on the site on Green Lanes now occupied by Sainsbury’s and the Arena shopping mall.

In 1826, although owned by Nathaniel Lee, the name of the occupier is William Scales and the site was trading as 'Scales Wm, brick and tile manufacturer'.

[33] Williamson's Potteries closed in 1905 and in the same year the cottages were condemned as unfit for human habitation by the Medical Officer of Health.

For the next 27 years this was the only tollgate on Green Lanes, at which time the Manor House toll gate was set up, along with others outside of the Harringay area.

Seven Sisters Road was laid out in 1833 and provided a major thoroughfare along the southern edge of Harringay connecting it to Holloway, Camden and the West End of London.