The pretty village of Highgate is undoubtedly one of the most sought after places to live in London – and no wonder. The mainly Georgian architecture of the old centre has retained its character, thanks to the conservation work of The Highgate Society. The world famous Highgate Cemetery is also a draw for visitors with impressive tombs and monuments and a host of famous names including Karl Marx, Michael Faraday and George Elliot.
Highgate grew up around the gate to the estate of the Bishops of London and straddled the main route north out of the city. Carters dragging goods up Highgate Hill needed a bit of respite before hitting the road, hence the rather larger number of pubs than usual. It’s also why Dick Turpin and other opportunist highwaymen hung out around there. Today all is very genteel and with great pubs like The Flask and The Gatehouse, shops, restaurants and the nearby green spaces of Hampstead Heath and Waterlow Park, it’s not surprising that local residents think Highgate has it all.
