A Saxon word echoes through time. ‘Woodlegh’ or ‘Woodlea’ it meant open ground near a wood. That wood was Tottenham Wood. It once covered much of this area and stretched westward to Muswell Hill. Today we are standing in Wood Green.
Wood Green is a suburban district in the London Borough of Haringey. It is a major commercial district of north London. Its postal district is N22. Parts are in N8 or N15.
Let’s delve into Wood Green’s history. Settlement here likely began after the Norman Conquest. The Earl of Dorset conducted a survey in the early Seventeenth Century. It revealed Wood Green had only sixteen houses. There were only 50 inhabitants at the time.
The New River’s construction enhanced the area’s reputation. Several large properties were built as country retreats for wealthy Londoners. By 1798, Wood Green’s population was still only 100. It was centered on Wood Green Common.
Traffic increased along Green Lanes. Wood Green’s first inn and business appeared. George Chesser established a blacksmith shop in 1770. The Three Jolly Butchers coaching inn opened in 1781.
The population began to increase significantly in the early 19th century. By mid-century, it had reached 400. Development took place north of St Michael’s Church. The Great Northern Railway Line station opened in 1859. This encouraged further development. By the end of the century, much of Wood Green had been built up.
Victorian development was both residential and commercial. Wood Green’s industry centered around Wood Green Common. E Welch and Co Tobacco Manufacturer arrived in the early 1860s. Then came the Hornsey Steam Laundry. Henry A Ivory and Co Piano Manufacturers followed. Davis and Timmins Screw Factory also opened here. In 1880, Barratts arrived. It became a major confectionery manufacturer.
The high street grew with Wood Green’s population. Retail activity shifted to the High Road. Wood Green High Street became a popular shopping center. By 1976, it was the largest shopping center in north London. Its turnover was more than £20m.
Haringey Council was formed in the 1960s. It wanted to reinvent Wood Green. It would be the ‘Heart for Haringey’. The Shopping City was constructed between 1976 and 1981. It is now known as The Mall Wood Green.
Up to the nineteenth century, Wood Green was governed by Tottenham. In 1888, the Municipal Borough of Wood Green was created. In 1965, it merged with Tottenham and Hornsey. They formed the London Borough of Haringey.
Wood Green was known as the “Golden Mile of North London” in mid-century. Some buildings were demolished in the 1960s. They cleared the area for Shopping City.
Alexandra Palace is within Wood Green. It played a leading role in public service television. Wood Green also contributed to commercial television history. The Wood Green Empire hosted variety programs on ITV in 1955.
The now-demolished bus depot was used for filming the TV show ‘On The Buses’. The Fishmongers Arms pub was a popular jazz venue. Later it became a rock music venue.
Wood Green is undergoing major regeneration programs. The Haringey Heartlands initiative aims to transform the area. It will become a mixed sub-neighborhood. The Wood Green Area Action plan aims to redevelop the town center.
Wood Green stretches from Turnpike Lane to the borough boundary. Its boundaries have changed over time. The shopping area and residential areas offer different identities.
Haringey Civic Centre is on Wood Green High Road. It is the official seat of the London Borough of Haringey. It was opened in 1958. It is a listed building.
Wood Green is a busy urban center. It has a sizeable shopping area. There are two cinemas here. You can find bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes. The High Road is lined with shops.
The Chocolate Factory houses 200 local artists. It provides music, film, and multimedia studios. There are also photographic studios here.
Wood Green offers green spaces like Alexandra Park. Wood Green Common provides space for recreation.
Wood Green tube station is on the Piccadilly line. Alexandra Palace station is on the East Coast Main Line.
Wood Green Crown Court is on Lordship Lane.
St Michael’s Church of England Church was built in 1844. St Paul’s Roman Catholic Church was first founded in 1882.
London Skolars is a rugby league team based at New River Stadium.
Nick Hornby’s book, High Fidelity, mentions Wood Green. Razorlight’s song “Los Angeles Waltz” references the area.
From its humble beginnings to its current status Wood Green continues to evolve. It blends history with modern life. It offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.