Woodside Park

Woodside Park Tube Station is a station on the Northern line of the London Underground. It is located in the north of the city, in the borough of Barnet. The station first opened in 1940, during the second world war, as part of the Northern Heights extension project. The extension aimed to provide better transport links between central London and the suburbs of the north, including Barnet, Edgware and High Barnet.

Although the station is relatively new, the area around Woodside Park has a rich history dating back to medieval times. The area was once known as Northaw, and was part of the Enfield Chase, a royal hunting ground used by Henry VIII. In the 17th century, the area was acquired by a wealthy merchant named Sir Roger Cholmeley, who built a grand house there. The house, known as Woodside, gave the area its modern name.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Woodside Park remained a largely rural area, with scattered farms and country houses. However, with the arrival of the railway in the 1860s, the area began to develop rapidly. The railway station, which was originally named Torrington Park, was renamed Woodside Park in 1882.

One of the most notable local landmarks is the Woodside Park Synagogue, which was built in 1926. The synagogue is one of the largest in London, and is known for its striking Art Deco architecture. Another landmark is the Avenue House, a large Victorian mansion that was built in 1859. The house was once owned by Henry Charles Stephens, a wealthy ink manufacturer who founded the nearby Stephens Ink Company.

Other notable local landmarks include the Totteridge Academy, a secondary school that was founded in 1906 as the Totteridge County Grammar School. The school has a long history of academic excellence, and has produced many notable alumni, including the actor David Suchet. The All Saints’ Church is another notable landmark. The church was built in the 1920s, and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows.

In addition to these landmarks, Woodside Park is also home to a number of parks and green spaces. The most notable of these is the Dollis Valley Greenwalk, a nature reserve that covers over 10 miles of the River Dollis. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons and otters.

Overall, Woodside Park is a fascinating area with a rich history and many notable landmarks. From its medieval origins as a royal hunting ground to its modern role as a bustling suburban hub, the area has seen many changes over the years, and continues to be a vibrant and thriving part of London today.