Did you know that...
Northaw Church of England Primary School was established in 1879. Saint Thomas a Becket Church was built in 1881 on the foundation of an 1809 church. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was canonized after he was murdered in 1170. Throughout the years, the church was expanded with a north aisle in 1887 and a choir and vestry in 1893. Of particular interest is the stained glass by well-known English stained glass producers such as Ward Hughes and Heaton, Butler, and Bayne. The east windows date from 1882, the west one from 1887, and the three north windows from 1895. The church is one of Northaw’s grade II listed buildings.
British politician Cecil Parkinson lived in Northaw. He was a minister in Margaret Thatcher’s 1979 government. Parkinson’s affair with his former secretary was a long-running joke in satirical magazines and TV shows. Trent Park is one of the North London attractions. It was established in the 14th century. King Henry IV used to hunt here. In the 18th century, physician Sir Richard Jebb saved King George III brother’s life in Trent, Italy. Jedd got the mansion as a reward and named it after the Italian city. Notable guests include Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. The original house and other constructions within the estate are Grade II listed buildings.
Many EN6 residents visit the nearby Paradise Wildlife Park opened in 1960 as Broxbourne Zoo. In 1984, the Sampson family acquired the zoo and renovated it to provide better conditions for the animals. The Sampsons sold their bus and garage businesses to focus on running the park. More than 500 animals live here including endangered species such as marmosets, tamarins, white lions, and reindeer. UK’s largest Anaconda lives here as well. The tropical rainforest house hosts the UK’s largest collection of small monkeys. In addition to the zoo, the park features themed adventure play areas.
