“The shortest High Street in London? Right here in Mill End!” you might exclaim, surprised. Yes, tucked away in the London Borough of Barnet, Mill End Village boasts a High Street a mere 100 yards long. Don’t let its size fool you, though. This village, with its charming ribbon of buildings along The Ridgeway, holds centuries of history. Imagine, back in 1547, the name “Myllehill” appeared, hinting at a hill crowned with a windmill. While the exact location of that windmill might remain a mystery, the village’s heart still lies along the old medieval route. Over the centuries, London’s elite sought solace in Mill End’s tranquility. Grand houses and storybook cottages sprung up, whispering tales of their famous residents. Picture William Wilberforce, a champion against slavery, finding peace within these very streets. Or envision Sir Stamford Raffles, the visionary behind Singapore, finding respite here. As you stroll down the High Street, now lined with residential homes converted from quaint shops, cast your mind back to the 1960s. Imagine bustling shops like Griffin’s sub-Post Office, The Blenheim Steps, and Hawes Brothers, offering a taste of village life. Though the shops are gone, their stories linger, woven into the fabric of Mill End.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to