Description
Rectory Gardens were laid out by 1894 on former rural open space lying between Hornsey High Street to the south and the grounds of The Rectory to the north. The line of the straight approach drive to the house as shown on the 1864 OS Map now forms part of the roadway, Rectory Gardens, which divides the public gardens today. The original layout included boundary trees, probably London planes of which at least one survives, and a winding walk with many bays for seats running east to west.
Practical Information
| Site location | Rectory Gardens/High Street, Hornsey |
|---|---|
| Postcode | N8 |
| What3Words | ///food.churn.rabble |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Haringey |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Public Transport | Rail: Hornsey then bus. Bus W3, 144. |
| Research Updated | 1 April 2004 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Re-landscaping post WWII took place when the western area was laid to turf with scattered trees, a single path that in part followed a section of the original path layout. The eastern area was dominated by a hard surfaced children's playground enclosed by railings, with the junction to three paths marked by a hexagonal feature, since lost, and the remainder of this area laid to turf with small scattered shrubs. Having become badly neglected by the late C120th, in 2006 approval was given for re-landscaping works to be undertaken.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ302892 |
|---|---|
| Site Ownership | LB Haringey |
| Site Management | Parks Service |
| Dates | 1864 - 1894; post WWII alterations |
| Designers | Not known |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Haringey |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | Hornsey High Street |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
The park is named after The Priory, an early C19th house. It was laid out in two phases following initial land purchase by Hornsey Local Board in 1891. Originally known as Middle Lane Pleasure or Recreation Grounds, what is now the eastern part of the park opened in 1899 and this area preserves much of its C19th landscaping. The park was re-named The Priory Park after further land to the west was purchased in 1926 and added to the park, with tennis courts and other facilities added.
The public garden is on the site of the former church and churchyard of Hornsey Parish Church of St Mary. In 1831 the medieval church, with the exception of its early C16th tower, was demolished when a new church was built to serve the growing population. This was replaced by a larger church in 1889 and eventually demolished in 1927, leaving only the tower. In 1950 the area east of the tower was re-landscaped and dedicated as a Garden of Remembrance to those who died in WWII. It has a formal, symmetrical layout. North of the tower is the densest area of tombs and to the south the site is more open.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Alexandra Park is on the site of Tottenham Wood Farm. Early plans for a 'North London Palace of the People' date from 1856 but came to nothing. In 1863 the Alexandra Park Committee was formed to acquire and lay out the land for public recreation, and the exhibition building from the Great International Exhibition at South Kensington was purchased and re-erected. Alexandra Park opened in 1863.
Alexandra Park is on the site of Tottenham Wood Farm. Early plans for a 'North London Palace of the People' date from 1856 but came to nothing. In 1863 the Alexandra Park Committee was formed to acquire and lay out the land for public recreation, and the exhibition building from the Great International Exhibition at South Kensington was purchased and re-erected. Alexandra Park opened in 1863.