This is local London in high style. Starts with the Bishop of London’s old hunting park. Just a stone’s throw away from the tube station. Classic London, that. London immersion. “London specialises in hiding the best of itself.” And then we get serious about going off piste. We slip into the ghosts of Finchley Woods – once wild Finchley Common, a byword for danger.
“All change!” The railway came. Transformative. Coaching inns gave way to Victorian terraces. In their wake, the ripple outs: a pioneering cinema, McDonald’s European University and… And, well – nudge, nudge here – you can take it as read that we’ll well and truly uncover what stood here before Big Mac burgered in.
Some of the best trace evidence in London. And it’s everywhere. Pubs that still remember the stagecoaches, a Victorian industrial school that turned the poor into parlour maids and footmen. What’s that you say? Shhh. Hear it? Those are the whispers of the famous pig market in the old market square.
As for the culture, couldn’t be more broad church. And you better believe it, it’s hang on to your hats stuff. George Michael. Amy Winehouse. The Goons. Narnia. Margaret Thatcher. They were here. They left their mark here.
And for our finale? Well, it’s a lark rising high. A wild, forgotten fragment of Finchley Common. Hiding in plain sight. Once the haunt of highwaymen. Not just another secret in this local London time machine.
Last word, this local London neighbourhood, it’s a sockdolager.
*Star guide who’s local. It doesn’t get any better than that.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Sarah Humphreys –
Having lived in E Finchley for over 20 yrs, this was my first chance to learn more about its geological past, history and current matters. Sam was an excellent guide, informative, open minded and set an excellent pace for going to the main points of interest and interacting excellently with the participants. A wonderful experience. Thank you so much, Sam
Rich –
I very much enjoyed the walking tour by Sam. He is very knowledgeable about the area and history. It was great to learn the history of our local area.
Steve Lesley –
A tour not to be missed. Lived in the areas for around 27 years and never knew there was so much interesting history. Sam Goldberg was very knowledgeable and was able to keep the groups interest throughout the tour.
Irina Nekhlyudova –
A wonderful insight into the history and geography of East Finchley, thanks to Sam who researched and delivered it so well. An nformal yet informative tour of the neighbourhood, looking at landmarks, talking about the past and present, chatting with some friendly local residents.
Highly recommend this walk to those passionate about social history and willing to see some authentic London spots off the beaten track.
I’ll be certainly looking out for other London walks with Sam.
Danny Levin –
Thanks for fascinating history of an area I grew up in and never knew about – all hiding in plain sight! Very thoroughly researched and engagingly presented. Great for locals knowing little about the dark-tinged past! Sam really “went to town” to dig up all aspects of the locality covering geology, history and present to explain very clearly and comprehensively how the area evolved to what it is now, all accompanied by a comfortably-paced walk a little short of 2 hours. Great exercise, great learning and convivial atmosphere. Our tour ended with a short bus ride back to starting point so a circular route might have been helpful. Otherwise all it needs are a few armed highwaymen by the wayside or awaiting the gibbet to really bring the tour to life! Thank you Sam for enjoyable fruits of local research. Can’t wait for the next tour…!