LOCAL BUILDINGS

PARISH CHURCH OF ST JAMES THE GREAT, FRIERN BARNET LANE

A church has been on this site since the 12^th century, although the present one was built in 1853.  The south doorway, which dates from Norman times, was incorporated into the new building.  The Parish of Friern Barnet comprises both St James’ church and St John the Evangelist.

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, FRIERN BARNET ROAD

Building of the church started in 1892 and was completed in 1911.  The church is based on a Rhineland chapel and has beautiful stained glass windows, including one of the architect, Pearson, depicted with a scroll of the plans.

FRIERN BARNET TOWN HALL, FRIERN BARNET ROAD

To replace the former Friern Barnet Urban District Council headquarters (The Priory) a new town hall was commissioned.  Work started in 1938 and, despite the outbreak of war, was completed in 1941 at a total cost of £50,000.  The building was given Grade II listing in 2002 and was sold by Barnet Council in 2003 to Barratts who have converted it into apartments.

CAMPE ALMSHOUSES, FRIERN BARNET LANE

In 1612 Lawrence Campe, a draper, built 6 almshouses “for the free harbour and dwelling of twelve persons, or more, for ever.” In 1984 twelve additional dwellings were built to the rear of the almshouses.

FRIERN HOSPITAL, FRIERN BARNET ROAD

The second Middlesex County Pauper Lunatic Asylum was opened in July 1851.  At its height in 1937 it housed 2,700 patients.  It was renamed Colney Hatch Mental Hospital in 1930 and Friern Hospital in 1959.  It closed in March 1993 and has been developed as luxury apartments and renamed Princess Park Manor.

THE GRIFFIN INN, HIGH ROAD WHETSTONE

Outside The Griffin (rebuilt 1929) stands the ‘whetstone’ whose origin is uncertain but it is not, as was sometimes claimed, used by soldiers in the Battle of Barnet in 1471 to whet their swords.  It was probably erected around 1733 and could have been used as a mounting block.  At this site was the toll gate which was removed in 1863.

THE TALLY HO, HIGH ROAD NORTH FINCHLEY

This pub was named after the stage coach company that operated from nearby stables.  Prior to the building of the current pub in 1927, it was named the Park Road Hotel.  The pub has given its name to this area.

ST PETER-LE-POER CHURCH, COLNEY HATCH LANE

Designed by W D Caroe. The church was built in 1910 and was financed by the sale of St Peter-le-Poer in Old Broad Street in the City of London. The pulpit, bells, organ and font from the old church were incorporated into the new design.

COPPETTS WOOD NATURE RESERVE, COLNEY HATCH LANE

This nature reserve comprises part original ancient woodland and part reclaimed land.  Finchley Sewage Works was erected on the site in the 1880s and closed in 1963.  It was decided to let the land return to its wild state and there are now large areas of scrubland which are rich in wildlife.

LISTED BUILDINGS

The The following buildings and monuments in the area are listed by English Heritage:

         GRADE II*

Friern Barnet Road:

St John the Evangelist Church

GRADE II

Colney Hatch Lane:

St Peter-le-Poer Church

Friern Barnet Lane:

Parish Church of St James the Great

No.209. St James Primary School

Nos. 213-217 Campe Almshouses

Friern Barnet Road:

Christ Church

Friern Barnet Town Hall

Friern Hospital

Garden House of Friern Hospital

Lodge of Friern Hospital

High Road, North Finchley:

Milestone outside nos. 842-844

High Road, Whetstone:

St John’s Church

The whetstone, outside The Griffin

Nos. 1264,1266,1268 & 1270

Nos. 1335 & 1337

No 1339, The Limes

Oakleigh Road North:

All Saints Church

Torrington Park:

Nos. 32,34,36 & 38