Hendon

Hendon
Name	Hendon
Population	87,500
Population ref	(approx.)
Region	London
Country	England
Constituency westminster	Hendon (UK Parliament constituency)
Post town	LONDON
Postcode district	NW4, NW9
Dial code	020
Os grid reference	TQ225895
London borough	London Borough of Barnet
Coordinates	51.583°N 0.225°W

Hendon. A suburban district in northwest London, within the London Borough of Barnet, historically part of Middlesex. It is known for its significant aviation history centered on the former RAF Hendon airfield, its diverse community, and as the home of several major educational institutions, including Middlesex University. The area is well-connected by road and rail, forming a key part of North London's transport network.

History

The area's name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, appearing in the Domesday Book as a manor held by the Canons of St Paul's Cathedral. For centuries, it remained a rural parish, with its development accelerating in the 18th and 19th centuries following the arrival of the Midland Railway and the construction of the Great North Road. Its most defining historical chapter began in the early 20th century with the establishment of the London Aerodrome, which later became the famous RAF Hendon, a vital site for the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force; the Battle of Britain was famously planned from here, and the site now houses the RAF Museum London. The area was also the location of the Hendon Police College, the principal training centre for the Metropolitan Police Service.

Geography

Situated approximately 7 miles northwest of Charing Cross, Hendon lies on a ridge of high ground, with the Brent Reservoir (also known as the Welsh Harp) forming a significant part of its western boundary with neighboring Wembley. The reservoir, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a key geographical feature and a habitat for wintering birds. The district includes several distinct localities such as Hendon Central around the tube station, the Church End area, and parts of Brent Cross. Its topography slopes down towards the River Brent, which feeds the reservoir.

Demographics

Hendon has one of the most diverse populations in the United Kingdom, with a particularly large and long-established Jewish community, centered around areas like Golders Green. This is reflected in the presence of numerous synagogues, kosher shops, and Jewish schools. The area is also home to significant communities of Asian descent, including those of Indian and Pakistani heritage, as well as a growing number of residents from Eastern Europe. This diversity is evident in its varied places of worship, cultural centres, and retail offerings.

Transport

The area is a major transport hub for North London, served by two London Underground stations: Hendon Central on the Northern line and Brent Cross tube station on the same line. Key road arteries include the A41 (Watford Way), the A5 (Edgware Road), and the North Circular Road, which provides a direct link to the M1 motorway at Staples Corner. Several London Buses routes connect Hendon to central London, Edgware, Mill Hill, and Finchley.

Education

Hendon is a notable centre for higher and further education. Middlesex University has its main campus and administrative headquarters in the area, on a site historically part of the Trent Park estate. The district is also home to Hendon School, a large secondary academy, and Hendon College (part of Capel Manor College). There are several prominent independent Jewish schools, including Hasmonean High School and Menorah High School. The former Hendon Police College site continues its educational legacy through related training programmes.

Notable people

Notable residents have included aviation pioneer Claude Grahame-White, who founded the London Aerodrome, and wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who frequently visited RAF Hendon. The actor and director Noel Coward lived in the area as a child. In music, the rock musician Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones attended art college here, while composer John Barry, known for his James Bond scores, was born in the district. The footballer David Beckham grew up in the neighboring area of Leytonstone but played youth football for the local club Brimsdown Rovers.

Category:Hendon Category:Districts of the London Borough of Barnet