EDGWARE Northern Line (Edgware) LONDON TUBE RAMBLES WALK
(about 2 miles)
Turn left out of the colonnaded Tube station and cross the road. Soon you will soon reach St. Margaret's church. Although an ancient foundation, the 14th century tower is the only survivor of the medieval church. In the 18th century the congregation refused to enter the building as it was so dilapidated and in 1907 coffins were found to be floating in the crypt, so it is hardly surprising that by 1928 the church had been substantially rebuilt several times. The large tomb surrounded by railings visible from the road is that of Charles Day, of whom more later.To the west is the church 'Truth' hall which was originally a school. Opposite is the gloriously OTT 1931 neo -Tudor pub. Alas now closed. Its fate is unknown, but as a listed building, hopefully it will survive. At the crossroads turn right and you are in the High Street (part of the old Roman Watling Street). Near a large granite war memorial you will see a run of degraded half-timbered buildings - but they are the real thing, the oldest dating back to the 16th century. There is also a funny little black and white building which is a monumental mason’s office. 
If you turn right into Manor Park Crescent and pop down a (grotty) alleyway to the right you can see some reminders of Edgware's rural past. Half-hidden under a coat of cream paint is an advertisement for a grain merchant, and a few steps away are two buildings with loading doorways high up on the walls. Billiards/snooker enthusiasts might be interested in the modern sign 'Thurston established 1799'. This firm had an office in the High Street until 2009. Even if the sign disappears, which it probably will, I think it's worth recording their presence in the area. There's a history of the company here with some great photos.Continue up the road. On the corner of Mill Ridge is an example of the glazed green roof tiles that were popular in the 1930's. (There's another one further along.) On the opposite corner a builders’ merchant is housed in an 17th century wood barn, once part of Nichols Farm. Next comes Stonegrove park which is adjacent to the charming Gothic style Day's Almshouses (1828). These were founded by Charles Day, already mentioned above, who made a fortune from manufacturing boot polish and felt he wanted to give thanks for his success.
The two large white pillars at Canons Drive mark the entrance to the old Cannons* Estate. If you walk down this pleasant tree-lined road for about 15 minutes you will get to Canons Park, passing a lake - 'The Basin' - on the way. This was originally part of the great water garden in the Chandos estate. From the park you can get to Canons Park Tube station. Click here for that walk.
*Note the 2 different spellings. It is usual to use the old form when referring to the Duke's estate.
This is just one walk from the many to be found at London Tube Rambles. There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and quirky buildings to be found in the area covered by the outter London Underground stations. Usually the discoveries are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to click on the link above and see the other destinations explored. You'll be amazed at what's out there!
©DR
