Recalling a tale of intrigue let’s delve into the story of Enfield Wash. Enfield Wash is nestled within the London Borough of Enfield. Specifically it lies along Hertford Road. This area stretches between Ordnance Road Turkey Street and Bell Lane Hoe Lane.
Enfield Wash holds a captivating history. It was first recorded in 1675. Later it appeared on the Ordnance Survey map of 1822. The name Enfield Wash originates from Old English. The term gawæsc means a place that floods. Historically a ford likely existed here. Ermine Street probably crossed Turkey Brook at this point.
Elizabeth Canning’s story is closely linked to Enfield Wash. In 1734 Elizabeth Canning claimed to have been kidnapped. She said she was held in a hayloft for a month. She was also threatened with prostitution. This case became a celebrated English criminal mystery. Henry Fielding a magistrate was consulted on the matter. Mother Well’s house played a role. It stood opposite the Sun and Woolpack public house. This pub was previously known as the Sun and Punchbowl.
The United Society began in Enfield Wash. This friendly society first met in 1794. They gathered at the Sun and Woolpack inn. Turkey Brook flows under the Woolpack Bridge. A footbridge existed here from the 17th century. In 1821 a proper bridge for carts was built. This was managed by the Turnpike Trust. Before the 18th century the area was called Horsepoolstones. Turkey Brook had other names too. It was also known as Maiden Brook and Wash Brook.
Bell Lane has a ghostly legend. A phantom coach is said to haunt it. It appears on moonless nights before Christmas. The coach travels several feet above the road.
Albany Park is also near Enfield Wash. It was created around 1902. It likely commemorates Prince Leopold Duke of Albany. He was the youngest son of Queen Victoria. The London Outer Orbital Path passes through Albany Park. Section 17 of the path follows Turkey Brook. The brook runs west to east through the park.
Albany School once stood in Bell Lane. It was next to Albany Park. The school opened in 1939. It was a coeducational secondary modern school. In 1967 it became a comprehensive school. Albany School closed in 2009. Oasis Academy Hadley opened on the site. The academy moved to Ponders End in 2013. In 2015 Ark John Keats Academy opened here. It is a school for pupils aged 4 to 18.
Enfield Wash is part of the Enfield North parliamentary constituency. Feryal Clark is the current MP. She is a Labour politician.
So as we conclude our exploration of Enfield Wash. Remember the tales of floods kidnappings and phantom coaches. These stories and facts shape the identity of this part of North London.