Hornsey Historical Society

18/09/2026

You’ve probably seen the colourful block of flats off Hornsey High Street known as New River Village, but do you know what was there before?

https://hornseyhistorical.org.uk/before-new-river-village/

11/09/2026

Did you know that Hornsey Historical Society publishes local history books? Have a browse of our book selection online, you might even find one about your neighbourhood!

We also sell our books in-person from the Old School House, check our website for opening times.

http://hornseyhistorical.org.uk/books/

04/09/2026

Pleased to say this article in the Ham & High was written by our very own Archive Volunteer Janet Owen. If you are curious about the man featured on Crouch End’s clocktower, make sure to have a read!

Longstanding Hornsey Historical Society member Janet Owen explores the fascinating history of Crouch End's iconic clock tower and the man whose…

01/09/2026

A 20 minute amateur film, without sound, from 1959 about floral colour in Haringey. It’s as interesting for the people, buildings and vehicles as it for the abundance of flowers.

The film includes Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Hornsey Village, and has been digitised by London Screen Archives.

https://hornseyhistorical.org.uk/beauty-in-the-borough/

20/08/2026

In St. Mary's Churchyard in Hornsey High Street there is a row of flat gravestones that are hardley visible. One of them bears an inscription so unique that English Heritage has given it a Grade II listing...

14/08/2026

Maybe you have seen the monument, but do you know the history of Stapleton Hall in Stroud Green? Join us in untangling the myths from the records in this article from our 'Lost Houses' series.

Not much is left of Stapleton Hall, but what there is became a listed monument in 1986 and is now part of a complex of flats in Stroud Green

10/08/2026

Did you know the Crouch End Clocktower used to have public loos in the basement? It even sparked a local row when the council labelled them 'Women' and 'Men' instead of 'Ladies' and 'Gentlemen.'

Read the full story of one of our most beloved landmarks:

An article giving a history of the Clock Tower in Crouch End, North London, built in 1895 in recognition of the public services of Henry Reader Williams

31/07/2026

Alexandra Palace has dominated our North London skyline for years, but have you ever wondered what was on site before?

Alexandra Palace and its Park dominate the skyline for miles around in North London. What was on the site previously?

24/07/2026

Hornsey Historical Society's archive houses more than 29,500 items, but did you know you can download our catalogue to search through at home?

You can download our latest version here:

Hornsey Historical Society has an extensive archive of documents and images with well over 21,000 items now recorded on the catalogue.

20/07/2026

A few years ago the Bulletin carried a piece about the founder of New Beacon Books on Stroud Green Road. This programme from 2011, 'What We Leave, What We Carry', explores the legacy of John la Rose. The programme was recently repeated and will only be available until the end of July.

Burt Caesar on John La Rose, founder of Britain's first black publishing house.