London Borough of Barnet

London Borough of Barnet
Name	London Borough of Barnet
Caption	A view from Mill Hill across the borough
Status	London borough
Area total km2	86.74
Population	389,344
Population ref	(2021)
Official name	Barnet
Coordinates	51.625, -0.15
Region	London
Country	England
Os grid reference	TQ245955
Post town	LONDON
Postcode area	EN, N, NW
Dial code	020
Gss code	E09000003
Nuts code	UKI51
Government	Barnet London Borough Council
London assembly	Barnet and Camden
Uk parliament	Chipping Barnet, Finchley and Golders Green, Hendon
Website	www.barnet.gov.uk

London Borough of Barnet is a London borough in North London, forming a significant part of Outer London. It was created in 1965 by merging the former Municipal Borough of Finchley, Municipal Borough of Hendon, Urban District of Barnet, and Friern Barnet Urban District. The borough is known for its extensive green belt land, affluent suburbs, and diverse communities, hosting institutions like the Royal Air Force Museum London and being home to the British Library.

History

The area's history is deeply rooted in the medieval period, with the Battle of Barnet in 1471 being a pivotal conflict where Edward IV defeated the Earl of Warwick. Settlements like Finchley and Hendon are recorded in the Domesday Book, with Hendon developing around the Church of St Mary. The 19th century brought the Finchley Common enclosure and the arrival of the Great Northern Railway, spurring growth. The 20th century saw the expansion of suburbs like Golders Green and the establishment of significant sites such as the Hendon Aerodrome, a precursor to the RAF Museum.

Geography

Barnet is the second-largest London borough by area and borders Hertfordshire to the north. Its landscape includes prominent green spaces like Barnet Gate Wood, Dollis Brook, and the extensive Hampstead Heath extension. The borough encompasses distinct areas including High Barnet, Edgware, Mill Hill, and Totteridge, with the Brent Reservoir marking part of its southwestern boundary. Key geographical features are the Northern Heights and the Mutton Brook, which feeds into the River Brent.

Demographics

According to the 2021 census, Barnet has a population of approximately 389,344, making it one of the most populous London boroughs. It has one of the highest proportions of Jewish residents in the United Kingdom, particularly in areas like Golders Green and Stamford Hill. The borough is also home to significant Asian communities, including those of Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil heritage. Other notable groups include Greek Cypriots and a growing Eastern European population.

Economy

Barnet has a strong and diverse economy, with major employment centres in Colindale, Brent Cross, and Mill Hill. The Brent Cross Shopping Centre, opened in 1976, is a major retail hub, with its expansion managed by Hammerson and Standard Life Investments. The borough hosts the British Library at St Pancras (though its legal deposit library is in Boston Spa), the RAF Museum, and the National Institute for Medical Research. Corporate headquarters include those of Rentokil Initial and DX Group.

Transport

Major road routes include the A1 and the M1 motorway, with the North Circular Road running through the south. Key railway stations are High Barnet and Finchley Central on the Northern line, and Mill Hill Broadway on the Thameslink route. The borough is served by London Buses routes connecting areas like Edgware and Golders Green to central London. London Underground services terminate at Edgware and High Barnet.

Education

The borough maintains a selective grammar school system, with schools like Queen Elizabeth's School and Henrietta Barnett School consistently top-ranked in national league tables. It is home to Middlesex University's Hendon Campus and Barnet and Southgate College. Independent schools include Mill Hill School and Haberdashers' Boys' School. The former University of London campus at Mill Hill now houses the Francis Crick Institute.

Culture and landmarks

Cultural institutions include the Royal Air Force Museum London in Colindale and the Church Farmhouse Museum in Hendon. The Artsdepot in North Finchley is a major performing arts venue. Landmarks range from the Grade II* listed Church of St John the Baptist to the modern British Library. The borough hosts the annual Barnet Festival and is known for the Friern Barnet Library community hub.