See more from: History and Heritage Special Events
Please note: this event is in the past
Take a step back in time at Lauderdale House's annual Heritage Weekend - the perfect opportunity to discover the fascinating history of Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park and the areas of Highgate and North London.
On Saturday 19 February, we celebrate Highgate's fascinating history with our Local Heritage Fair, and special talks. And on Sunday 20 February, we invite children and their families to explore the house and discover its secrets at our Heritage Family Fun Day!
Saturday 19 February
Heritage Fair
12:30pm to 5pm | FreeDrop in and meet representatives from local museums, historic houses and local history societies find out more about the history of our local area.
Walk this way with Sir Sidney Waterlow
12.15pm, 1.30pm, and 3.20pm | £5Join local actor Sam Toocaram Toller as Sir Sydney Waterlow for a guided walk around the grounds that he gifted to the public as a 'garden for the gardenless'.
Waterlow Park has been an escape for many people over the years; Quakers practicing religion safely away from the City of London and Church of England; Nell Gwynn nursing her newborn away from the stench of the City; victims of the Blitz finding solace away from the fire and bombs; and even the locked down Londoners of 2021 finding an idyllic spot to stretch their legs and safely see their friends and loved ones.
Actors will bring these dramatic stories to life in a forty minute guided walk around the park, which will remind us how important natural environments for the community are, especially in one of the busiest and best cities in the world. Come and discover your new favorite green spot in London, or some new nuggets of knowledge if you're already familiar with this park that is held dear in the hearts of so many Londoners.
Talk - Gardens for the gardenless and palaces for the people: Heritage buildings and their gardens
2.15pm to 3.15pm | FreeFrom Waterlow Park as the ‘Garden for the Gardenless’ to the Palace of the People at Alexandra Palace we explore how local outdoor spaces attached to local historical landmark buildings have changed and evolved. From private grounds to public walkways, racing courses and railway stations we have guest speakers revealing hidden histories of notable north London heritage buildings including Alexandra Palace, Kenwood House, Lauderdale House and Forty Hall.
We are asking attendees to book in advance to limit numbers. Tickets are free, but do let us know if you can no longer attend so that we can release the spaces to others.
Talk - From ghostly chickens to roman urns: How public spaces in North London came to be
4pm to 5pm | FreeHave you ever heard of the ghost of the chicken on Pond Square, or wandered from Highgate to Finsbury Park on the former overground line that is Parkland Walk. This talk explores local North London public spaces, how they came to be, why they have been kept or how they have changed.
We are asking attendees to book in advance to limit numbers. Tickets are free, but do let us know if you can no longer attend so that we can release the spaces to others.
Sunday 20 February
Heritage Family Fun Day
11am to 4pm | FreeDrop in for all kinds of fun and free activities. Enjoy arts & crafts, an orange trail and more at a special Heritage Family Fun Day for children and families to explore the history of the house and the area.