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Wednesday 8 October 2014

The Boroughs of London (2): Barnet

This the second in my new series which looks at the London Boroughs in alphabetical order:
The place name Barnet is derived from the Old English word  bærnet meaning "land cleared by burning". It is the second largest of the 32 Boroughs by population and covers over 33 square miles. Various parts of the area were mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book and the 1471 Battle of Barnet was very important during the Wars of the Roses when the House of York defeated the House of Lancaster to place Edward IV on the throne. At that time Barnet was a small town to the north of London.
The Battle of Barnet 1471
In 1588 Elizabeth 1st granted Barnet the right to hold the annual Barnet Fair. In Cockney Rhyming Slang 'Barnet' means hair as an abbreviation of Barnet Fair.
Hampstead Garden Suburb, within the borough was set up in the early twentieth century and is a fine example of early town-planning. The philanthropist couple Henrietta and Samuel Barnet were instrumental in it's formation but now, contrary to the original conception, it is one of the wealthiest districts in the country.
Hampstead Free Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb
With respect to the Borough and it's residents I have to say that it's not the most exciting part of London although it does have some 'nice' residential areas.
Continuing my new experiment of naming the music I am listening to while posting or commenting - right now it's: The Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ very loudly! Listen on You Tube.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Interesting post, Bazza. As always.

The second pic didn't come out for some reason?

And I like your taste in music. Bittersweet Symphony is a fantastic song!

bazza said...

Hi Wendy. I'll look at my Blog on another computer to check the picture thing.
I like songs that mesmerise like Bitter sweet Symphony!
Thanks for visiting.

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Oh I remember the "Cockney Rhyme Slang" post. Of course I was new then; new to the insanity of pure laughter the British way! Yes sir and the "Bristols"; finally got that one!

Seems like a lovely area you've featured but I won't be moving any time soon. However I will take a visit to the music link you've shared. Ta-ta for now.

bazza said...

Hi Dixie. It's a subject I have returned to a few times. Also US v. British English is a great topic.
Hope you like the song!

loverofwords said...

What is the difference between Mews and Boroughs? I once knew a ballerina from the Royal Ballet and she lived at "3 Herbert Mansions" and I remember the address (although I never was there) all these years later. Always learn something from you. Will try the You Tube selection.

bazza said...

Natasha: A mews is a row of cottages that were converted from former stables, usually along an alley. In many cases they were simply built to look like that and are very sought after if in the right location! A Borough is an administrative area, usually a town (not a city) that, historically, had been granted Royal privileges.
Herbert Mansions is a very smart address near Harrods store in Knightsbridge!
(Listening to Bobby Darin singing 'Things' on the radio)

Dixie@dcrelief said...

The Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ isn't right for me. I'm so busy listening I forget to write...

Sherry Ellis said...

Nice to learn a little about this borough. I like your choice of listening music, too!

bazza said...

Dixie: It grows on you after several listens!

bazza said...

Sherry: Yes 'nice' is the right word but not very exciting....
Glad you like the music. That song tends to polarize taste!

John said...

Hi Bazza,
Sorry to come to this posting a bit late, but have been away in sunny Mallorca.
As usual, very informative, knew that 'barnet' was rhyming slang for hair, but didn't know why. I do now.
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

bazza said...

Hi John. I was in Alcudia, Mallorca last month. Very nice.
It's always good to hear from you whenever!

Mike Perry said...

Interesting subject. Look forward to when you get to H - as a child, and until my early 20s, I lived in Hillingdon. Happy memories, but somehow I ended up in Cornwall.

bazza said...

Hi Mike. Thanks for the advance warning! At present I don't know too much about Hillingdon but I have until sometime next year to research it.....
Thanks for looking in. I will make a return visit.
Continuing my new occasional experiment of naming the music I am listening to while posting or commenting - right now it's: Bette Midler duetting with Bob Dylan on his 'Buckets of Rain'. Listen on You Tube: here