Highgate

Highgate
Name	Highgate
Os grid reference	TQ285875
London borough	Camden, Haringey
Region	London
Country	England
Constituency westminster	Holborn and St Pancras, Hornsey and Wood Green
Post town	LONDON
Postcode district	N6, N19
Dial code	020

Highgate. A prominent and historic village located on a hill in north London, straddling the London Borough of Camden and the London Borough of Haringey. Renowned for its affluent character, verdant spaces, and architectural heritage, it has long been associated with literary and intellectual figures. The area is dominated by the expansive Hampstead Heath and is famously the site of the Highgate Cemetery.

History

The area's name is derived from the tollgate established on the main road to the north, which became part of the Finchley turnpike in the 18th century. Historically part of the ancient parish of Hornsey, its elevated position made it a desirable location away from the smoke of central London. Development accelerated in the 19th century with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway and the opening of the Highgate railway station. The famous Highgate Cemetery was consecrated in 1839 by the London Cemetery Company as part of the "Magnificent Seven" cemeteries established to alleviate overcrowded urban churchyards. During World War II, the area was part of the London Blitz, with anti-aircraft batteries stationed on the heath.

Geography

Highgate is situated on one of the highest points in London, affording panoramic views over the city from locations such as Parliament Hill. It is bordered by Hampstead to the west, Archway to the south, Muswell Hill to the east, and East Finchley to the north. The western flank is largely occupied by the wooded expanses of Hampstead Heath and the adjacent Highgate Wood, which is managed by the City of London Corporation. The prominent Highgate Ponds are a series of bathing ponds on the heath. The area's geology includes a significant ridge of London Clay.

Landmarks

The most famous landmark is the monumental Highgate Cemetery, the resting place of numerous notable individuals including Karl Marx, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams. The cemetery is divided into the older West Cemetery and the East Cemetery. Other significant sites include the 17th-century Flask pub, the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution founded in 1839, and the chapel at Highgate School. The Church of St Michael on the summit of Highgate Hill is a local landmark, while Lauderdale House in neighbouring Waterlow Park is a historic manor with connections to Charles II.

Transport

The area is served by Highgate tube station on the Northern line (High Barnet branch), with nearby stations including Archway tube station and East Finchley tube station. Several London Buses routes traverse the area, including the 210, 271, and C11. Major road connections are provided by the A1 (Archway Road) and the A1000 (North Hill). Historically, the Highgate Hill was the route of the first cable tramway in Europe.

Education

The area is known for the prestigious independent Highgate School, founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley. Other notable schools include Channing School, an independent day school for girls, and St Michael's Church of England Primary School. The Institute of Education's Archway Campus is located nearby. The former Jack Straw's Castle was a famous coaching inn and literary haunt frequented by Charles Dickens and William Hogarth.

Notable residents

Highgate has been home to a remarkable array of intellectuals, artists, and public figures. Literary residents have included the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived at The Grove, and John Betjeman. The philosopher Karl Marx spent his later years in the area and is interred in the cemetery. Other notable figures include the scientist Michael Faraday, the actress Flora Robson, and the poet Christina Rossetti. More recent residents have included the musician George Michael and the novelist J.G. Ballard.

Category:Districts of London