London Borough of Haringey

London Borough of Haringey
Name	London Borough of Haringey
Caption	Alexandra Palace dominates the borough's skyline.
Status	London borough
Area total km2	29.59
Population total	270,624
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Post town	LONDON
Postcode district	N4, N8, N10, N15, N17, N22
Dial code	020
Constituency westminster	Hornsey and Wood Green, Tottenham
Government	Haringey London Borough Council
Website	www.haringey.gov.uk

London Borough of Haringey is a London borough in North London, England, established in 1965 from the former Municipal Borough of Hornsey, Municipal Borough of Wood Green, and Municipal Borough of Tottenham. It is known for its striking social and economic contrasts, encompassing affluent areas in the west and more deprived communities in the east. The borough is home to significant landmarks like Alexandra Palace and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and has a culturally diverse population.

History

The area's history is deeply rooted in the ancient Parish of Tottenham and the Manor of Bruce, with Tottenham recorded in the Domesday Book. The western parts, including Hornsey, were largely rural until the 19th century, when the arrival of the Great Northern Railway spurred development. The Municipal Borough of Tottenham was a major industrial centre, known for tobacco and engineering works. The 1965 creation of Haringey under the London Government Act 1963 merged these distinct districts. The borough gained national attention during the 1985 Broadwater Farm riot and, more recently, for the 2011 England riots.

Geography

Haringey is bordered by Enfield to the north, Waltham Forest to the east, Hackney to the southeast, Islington to the south, and Camden to the southwest. The River Lea forms part of its eastern boundary with Waltham Forest. Key open spaces include the expansive Parkland Walk on a disused railway line, Finsbury Park (shared with Islington and Hackney), and Alexandra Park. The borough spans the N postcode area, with districts like Muswell Hill, Crouch End, and Tottenham.

Demographics

Haringey is one of the most ethnically diverse local authorities in the United Kingdom. The 2021 census recorded significant populations of White British, Turkish, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage. Areas such as Harringay (specifically the Green Lanes corridor) are renowned for their Turkish and Kurdish communities. The borough has a young population, with a high proportion of residents under 20, and languages such as Turkish, Greek, and Somali are widely spoken. This diversity is reflected in cultural institutions like the Bernie Grant Arts Centre.

Economy

The economy is characterised by a mix of retail, creative industries, and public sector employment. Major employment hubs include Tottenham Hale, with its transport interchange and retail parks, and the Broadwater Farm area. Alexandra Palace hosts major exhibitions and concerts, contributing to the visitor economy. High streets like Green Lanes are famed for restaurants and independent shops, while Tottenham High Road is a traditional retail corridor. The club Tottenham Hotspur and its Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are significant economic anchors, alongside the presence of Haringey Council and the NHS.

Governance

Local authority functions are performed by Haringey London Borough Council, with the borough comprising the Coat of arms featuring elements from its predecessor authorities. It is divided into 19 wards and is represented in the UK Parliament by the Hornsey and Wood Green and Tottenham constituencies. The council has been controlled by the Labour Party for most of its history. Haringey is within the London Assembly constituency of Enfield and Haringey and the purview of the Mayor of London and Metropolitan Police Service.

Landmarks and notable places

The borough's most iconic landmark is Alexandra Palace, a Grade II listed entertainment venue and park with a history linked to the BBC. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home to Tottenham Hotspur F.C., is a major modern sports and events arena. Other notable sites include the Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, Bruce Castle (a 16th-century manor house now a museum), and the Wards Corner market in Seven Sisters. Cultural venues include the Jacksons Lane arts centre in Highgate and the Tottenham Town Hall. The Parkland Walk nature reserve and the New River path provide significant green corridors.

Category:London Borough of Haringey Category:London boroughs