Did you know that...
Bedmond was predominantly rural. Farm land still covers a big portion of this North London area. Bedmond has several landmarks including three historic pubs. The White Hart was a Grade II listed pub dating from the 17th century. The pub is closed since 2009. The building is now a private residence. The Bell supposedly dates from 1618. This High Street pub was also known as The Blue Bell. Rumor has that famous highwayman Dick Turpin visited The Traveler’s Rest. The pub stood on Church Hill that was also known as Porridge Pot Hill. The old name of the hill most likely derives from the most popular meal of the travelers in this area. Legend has it that a witch lived at the bottom of the hill and the mist that surrounded the hill was the steam from her morning porridge.
An Ovaltine dairy farm stood in Bedmond. It was inspired by the dairy farms owned by Marie Antoinette. The M25 road replaced the fields but the building remains. The Antoinette Court on Dairy Way is now privately owned. This WD5 area is a favorite place for outdoor fans. There are many cycling, walking, and hiking routes around here. The beautiful countryside attracts many casual strollers.
One of the few remaining tin tabernacles can be found in Bedmond WD5. This is a kind of construction made out of steel. They were pretty popular in the 19th century. The Anglican Church of The Ascension in this part of North London is such a building. It was built in 1880 and declared a Grade II listed building in 1978. The wife of the squire of Bedmond sponsored the building of the church. It costed £80. Pope Adrian IV was born in Bedmond WD5 in 1100 at the Breakspear Farm. The location of the house where he was born is marked by a plate. He is the only Englishman who had the role of a pope.