Opened in 1873, Oakleigh Park whispers tales of a relatively modern creation. It is a loosely defined district in the north of the London Borough of Barnet. The area adjoins Whetstone. Oakleigh Park is often considered part of Whetstone or East Barnet. However, it holds its own unique identity. The East Coast Main Line acts as a border with East Barnet.
The story of Oakleigh Park begins with its railway station. The station’s opening spurred the naming of this area. Since 2002, Oakleigh has also been the name of the electoral ward. This ward was formed from parts of the abolished Hadley and Friern Barnet wards.
Oakleigh Park’s principal road is Oakleigh Road North. Turnings off this road include Oakleigh Park North and Oakleigh Avenue. You can also find Oakleigh Park South here. A small shopping parade sits on Netherlands Road. It is just north of the railway station.
Education thrives in Oakleigh Park. Primary schools here include All Saints and Sacred Heart. These schools nurture the young minds of the community. They prepare them for the future.
Transport is readily available. The Transport for London bus route 383 stops right outside Oakleigh Park railway station. The bus also operates a Hail and Ride service. This service runs along Netherlands Road and Oakleigh Park North. You can also use it on Athenaeum Road. Buses travel towards Barnet or Woodside Park tube station. They run every 30 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays or public holidays.
Many trains arrive on time here. Oakleigh Park railway station is the 591st busiest in terms of passengers. Around 2,230 people enter or leave daily. The station fares better than some for punctuality. 44% of trains arrive on time, placing it 1,159th.
Oakleigh Park has been home to notable people. British Army chaplain Noel Mellish was born here. He received the Victoria Cross for rescuing wounded men during World War One. Mellish was born at Trenabie House in Oakleigh Park North in 1880. The house no longer exists. In March 2016, a plaque was installed nearby. Mellish’s daughter Claire attended the ceremony.
The poet John Betjeman also has connections to Oakleigh Park. He visited the area while working at nearby Heddon Court. Betjeman references Oakley Park and Rosslyn Avenue. He mentions them in his poem “The Outer Suburbs”.
The area we now call Oakleigh Park, therefore, evolved into a distinct place. Its identity has been shaped by its transport links. The community has been influenced by notable figures. Oakleigh Park continues to grow. It balances modern life with echoes of its past.