Having spoken of the East side of the High-road, I will now start again from Stamford Hill on the West side.
First came a large detached house standing in its own grounds with a moat and a drawbridge. This drawbridge was last used in the early part of last century, when a large number of gipsies were seen approaching the house.
Mr. Josiah Wilson, J.P., lived next; it was also a large detached house, which lay back a long distance from the High-road, with large grounds attached. This was, I think, the first house taken down on Stamford Hill, and from that time dates the immense change that has taken place all over Tottenham. Then there were a good many other large residences, among which was the “Clock House,” occupied by Miss Deborah Dermer, and two pretty semi-detached houses at the corner of the lane, then called Hanger-lane, now
ST. ANN’S ROAD.
This was a very quiet road, with only a few cottages and one or two good houses on the left hand side, and fields on the right hand, as far as the four cross roads, where the Midland Railway now crosses the road.
HERMITAGE ROAD,
leading from St. Ann’s-road to the Green-lanes, was a private road, the property of Mr. Scales. There were beautiful fields on either side, and half way up on the left stood four good houses, each standing in its own grounds. First came “Bridge House,” where Mr. Shirley Hibberd at one time resided. He was particularly fond of ivy, and had twenty-five different varieties growing in his garden.
Next was “The Retreat,” and then “Vale House,” of which the last occupier was Mr. San Giorgie. He kept an emu in the field opposite his house; children all round were very fond of going to see it. Lastly came “The Swiss Cottage.” The road was enclosed with park gates at each end. In those days it was a charming walk; now the aspect is entirely changed, the estate being covered with houses.
HANGER GREEN.
Opposite to this was a farm known as St. John’s Farm. A little further on there was a pretty house and large grounds, where Mr. John Robbins lived, the son-in-law of Mr. Newsam, who built St. Ann’s Church, Schools, etc. The Metropolitan Fever Hospital now stands on this site. A little further on, on the opposite side of the road, there was another farm, with cottage, having a verandah covered with white clematis which blossomed freely every year.