Before us stands Archway. What stories could this place tell if it could talk? Archway in north London owes its name to a bridge. This bridge straddles Archway Road. Archway Road is part of the Great North Road. It is also known as the A1.
Let’s delve into Archway’s history. In the early 19th century, work began on a tunnel. The tunnel was planned to run under Highgate Hill. This would allow travellers to bypass the steep hill. Had it been completed, it would have been Britain’s earliest road tunnel. Alas, in April 1812, the tunnel collapsed. A cutting through the hill was then proposed. This utilized the work already done. This cutting became Archway Road.
Hornsey Lane ran across the top of the hill. It linked Highgate to Crouch End. To ensure the lane remained open, a viaduct was built. This carried the lane across the cutting. John Nash designed the original structure. It was in the style of a Roman aqueduct. The aqueduct opened in 1813. Archway Road, running underneath, was a toll road until 1871.
The original bridge was demolished in 1900. A cast-iron bridge replaced it. Alexander Binnie designed this bridge. It still stands today. The area was initially called Highgate Archway. Gradually, the Highgate part was dropped. It simply became Archway.
The naming of the tube station reinforced this. The station opened in 1907. It was originally named Highgate. In 1939, it was renamed Archway Highgate. By 1947, it was just Archway. Archway is on the A1, the Great North Road out of London. It is four and a half miles north of central London. Highgate is to the north. Highbury is to the east. Islington and Camden Town lie to the south. Tufnell Park and Kentish Town are to the west.
A legend connects Archway to Dick Whittington. Whittington was a medieval Mayor of London. He supposedly heard the Bow Bells from Highgate Hill. This was as he was failing to make his fortune. The bells were 4.5 miles away. This led to the saying: “Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London.” A stone tablet commemorates this. It features a statue of Whittington’s cat. The Whittington Stone marks this legendary site.
Archway has seen demographic shifts. Waves of migration and gentrification have occurred. It has a diverse population. There is a proportionally larger White British, Irish, Other White, and Jewish population.
Since the 1830s, a large Irish community has been present in Archway. Many worked building railways and roads. They were known as navigators. After World War II, the Irish community grew. Whittington Hospital recruited nurses from Ireland. The Irish influence remains. It is visible in pubs like The Mother Red Cap. Navigator Square is named after the Irish navigators.
Today, Archway is a commuter’s delight. It has excellent transport links. There are numerous bus services. The Underground station is on the Northern line. Archway also benefits from good road connections.
The Kinks took the photograph for their 1971 album Muswell Hillbillies in the Archway Tavern. Archway blends history and modernity. From its namesake bridge to its diverse community. Archway is a vibrant part of London. It stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving story.