London's villages

Before the 19th century and the expansion of the railways London was contained within the City, Westminster and Southwark. The communities that were outside these areas were villages. As transport extended, the villages became a part of the conurbation. Here are a few of the villages that are still discernible within the greater conurbation.

Hampstead map by artist Jonathan Addis

Hampstead

When you arrive at Hampstead on the underground you are 64 metres below the ground level in the deepest station in London, and on reaching the surface you know you are in a different atmosphere.
For many years, Hampstead has been a haven for arts of all descriptions. John Constable who did many paintings of the heath is buried in the churchyard of St. John's, as is John Harrison, the self-taught clockmaker who is attributed with defining 'Longitude' by means of his chronometer.

Hampstead streets

The flagpole at the top of the Heath Street is the highest point in London, although the best view is from the top of Parliament Hill. Legends of the highwayman, Dick Turpin, are rife in old pubs like The Spaniards, while many of the little back streets reveal surprising architecture mixed in with the cottages. There are numerous cafes and bistros and the fresh air on the heath is therapeutic.

Kenwood House

On the north side of the heath is the Kenwood House, 17th century Robert Adam house, which has a fine collection of paintings. Kenwood, today part of the English Heritage, is one of London's hidden gems. The breathtaking interiors and stunning world-class art collection are free for everyone to enjoy. With children’s activities, a café to relax in and acres of grounds to stretch your legs, there are treats in store for every visitor. Come and see what Kenwood has to offer you. There you can see a Rembrandt self-portrait and works by Turner, Romney, Vermeer, Hals etc. The superb Adam Library is a feature worth looking out for.

Highgate

Highgate has even more of a village atmosphere. Perched on the top of a hill, it deceptively seems higher than its neighbour Hampstead. Waterlow Park is extremely pleasant place to spend some time, particularly during the week. The famous pub is The Flask, which dates back to 1767. On summer evenings the tables are filled with people enjoying the ale and food.

The Flask, Highgate

Sir John Betjeman, English poet, writer and broadcaster, loved the pub and they do say that Major Rogers, the frontiersman of 'Rogers Rangers' fame drank here.

Strangely, the biggest attraction in Highgate is the cemetery, for here were buried famous residents, such as Karl Marx, Michael Faraday and George Elliot, with an impressive range of tombs and monuments.

Highgate cemetery

In the village there are many international restaurants. For a quick snack or a scrumptious afternoon tea try the excellent High Tea of Highgate, or stop off at the Pavilion Café in Waterlow Park.

Islington

Home of many intellectuals and artists, not as ostentatious as Chelsea and always full of life. It has an antique shop mall and an antiques market. Some great and famous fringe pub theatres like the King's Head, where often a future West End or Broadway production can be seen in embryo form. The pub still rings your bar bill up in old shillings and pence.

Islington

Islington is always enjoyable: there are many cafes and restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable:
Le Mercury, the atmospheric Cuba Libre and Mexican Desperados are all in Upper Street and serve excellent food that will not break your pocket. For more formal dining, Frederick's may suit you more. The Victorian pub, the Camden Head, has great atmosphere and good lunches, and is also a comedy venue.

Islington antique market