Clay Hill, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clay Hill |
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 Rose and Crown Public House, Clay Hill, Enfield |
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 Clay Hill
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| OS grid reference | TQ325988 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ENFIELD |
| Postcode district | EN2 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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Clay Hill is a lovely area in Enfield, London, England. It's located just north of Enfield Town. This area is mostly made up of homes and is very close to Crews Hill in the north. Clay Hill is also part of London's special Green Belt area, which means it has lots of open, natural spaces.
Before 1965, Clay Hill was part of the historic county of Middlesex. Today, you can visit interesting places like Whitewebbs Park, Hillyfields Park, and Forty Hall. The North Enfield Cricket Club ground is also found here, right at the top of Hilly Fields Park.
What's in a Name? The Story of Clay Hill
Have you ever wondered how places get their names? The name Clay Hill has a cool history! In old records, it was called Clayhyll in 1524 and Clayhillgate in 1636.
The name seems to mean "a hill with clay soil." The word -gate in Clayhillgate refers to a gate of Enfield Chase, which was a large hunting ground.
However, there's another idea! A local area called Claysmore, which was once Clayes More Grove in 1610, is linked to a family. People like William atte Cleye (meaning 'at the clayey place') in 1274 and John Clay in 1420 lived here. So, Clay Hill might actually be named after a family's surname, rather than just the type of soil!
A Glimpse into Clay Hill's Past
Clay Hill has some exciting connections to history, especially the famous Gunpowder Plot. This was a plan in 1605 to blow up the Houses of Parliament!
One of the main plotters, Guy Fawkes, and his friends used a secret safe house in Whitewebbs Lane, Enfield. Many people believe this safe house was part of what is now the Rose and Crown public house. This building was once smaller cottages that were later joined together.
Guy Fawkes also met with another plotter, Robert Catesby, at the original Whitewebbs House. This old house was located where Guy's Lodge Farm is today, right across from the King and Tinker public house. It's amazing to think about such important historical events happening right here in Clay Hill!
Nearby Places to Explore
Clay Hill is surrounded by other interesting areas. You can easily visit:
- Crews Hill
- Forty Hill
- Gordon Hill
- Enfield Town
