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Heronsgate was initially named O’Connorville in 1846 by the founders, Feargus O’Connor and the Chartist Cooperative Land Company. The area also went by the name of Herringsgate. Of Irish nationality, Feargus O’Connor was a Chartist leader in the early 19th century. The Chartist Cooperative Land Company was founded in 1846. One year later, the company acquired six estates and divided them into smaller plots of land. The Heronsgate estate was the first one that opened. It was renamed O’Connorsville in Feargus O’Connor’s honor. He was a charismatic man and a popular leader. Forty-thousand people attended his funeral. A blue plaque in the area commemorates him.
Heronsgate is a settlement in North London. It lies to the south of Chorleywood. This area is close to junction 17 of the London Orbital Motorway. A villa in the area was once the headquarters of the International Esperanto-League (from 1936 to 1955). Notable inhabitants include TV scriptwriter Johnny Speight. He is remembered for Till Death Do Us Part, Spate of Speight, Great Scott – It’s Maynard!, and many other British comedy programs. His Heronsgate house was called Fouracres. Kim Philby is another famous resident. He worked as a British intelligence officer for MI6. He was also a Soviet Union double agent. In 1951, after he resigned from MI6 he moved with his family to this WD3 area.
Heronsgate attractions include the nearby Chorleywood Club, William Penn Swimming Pool, and Nathan’s Farm. The Herons restaurant is a favorite place to eat among residents. The Land of Liberty, Peace, and Plenty is a popular Heronsgate pub. The menu includes real ales and snacks such as pies and pasties. This pub also has a beer garden. The Stag is a rustic restaurant. St John The Evangelist is an Anglican church. Bullsland Hall is a local community center that hosts various events.