“A big WELCOME and enjoy”

Muswell Hill was named after the 12th century discovery of a local stream. The ‘Mossy Well’ was believed to have miraculous, healing properties.

It was not until the end of the 19th century that Muswell Hill began to be developed more densely from a collection of country houses to the London village that it is today. The development was initiated by the opening in 1873 of Alexandra Palace, intended as the counterpart to the Crystal Palace on Sydenham Hill in south London.

Much of the area’s property development took place between 1896 and 1914 and was carried out by James Edmondson and William J Collins, giving it one of the most cohesive architectural styles in London. They were dedicated to building houses with high quality materials in a unified style, hence the dominance of attractive red brick Edwardian homes. Much of Muswell Hill is now designated as a conservation area, and it has retained its period character.

Elegant Edwardian retail parades were also constructed. The shopping centre is based on four main roads: Fortis Green Road, Muswell Hill Broadway and the extension of the Broadway into Colney Hatch Lane.