Across the street from The Griffin pub, rests The Whetstone. This unassuming stone holds a tale of two histories. One grounded in fact, the other steeped in legend. The Whetstone, as confirmed by John Heathfield of the Friern Barnet & District Local History Society, is likely a mounting block. It was probably connected to a toll gate erected around 1730 by the Whetstone & Highgate Turnpike Trust. The earliest photographic evidence of The Whetstone dates back to 1861. Interestingly, it stood much closer to The Griffin pub back then. When the toll gate was removed in 1863, The Whetstone was moved to its present location. But local legends weave a different story. This tale whispers of soldiers marching towards the Battle of Barnet in 1471, sharpening their blades on this very stone. Imagine the scene: weary soldiers, the glint of steel catching the sunlight, preparing for a battle that would shape the course of history. While the legend adds a romantic touch, the historical record suggests The Whetstone served a more mundane purpose. Regardless of its true past, The Whetstone stands as a silent witness to the passage of time in this historic London suburb. It reminds us that even seemingly ordinary objects can hold fascinating stories, waiting to be unearthed.
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