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Oakwood takes the name of Oakwood Park who borrows the name from Oak Lodge, the estate on whose grounds the park was built. The park opened in 1929 and extends over 64 acres. The land was part of Enfield Chase and it used to be a royal hunting ground. Merchant Samuel Sugden bought the land in 1860. Oak Lodge featured multiple outbuildings, a walled garden, and an orchard. The estate’s original ice house built by Sugden exists to this day. The grove of poplar trees celebrates the coronation of King George VI. Since 1945, the mayors of Enfield have planted scarlet oaks in the park forming an avenue of trees.
Oakwood tube station opened in 1933 as Enfield West. Architect Charles Holden designed the station building that is similar to Sudbury and Acton Town stations, also designed by Holden. Oakwood station is one of the grade II listed N14 buildings. Works on St Thomas’s Church began in 1930 but the outbreak of World War II stopped the development which was resumed after the war. The church finally opened in 1950. Architect Romilly Craze designed the building. Other works by Craze include Kensington’s St Marry Abbots, Kingsbury’s All Saints’ Church, and Hull’s St Aidan’s Church.
De Bodun Primary School opened in 1936 is a grade II listed building. Barnet and Southgate College is a North London education facility. Notable alumni include Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain, fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, bass guitarist Rick Wills, former Spice Girls member Emma Bunton, and guitarist Peter Banks. The Oakwood Tavern is a popular destination for N14 residents. It’s an Irish-themed pub established in 1999. The pub organizes events such as quiz nights and live music shows. It’s a gathering place for local sports fans that want to watch Premiership & UEFA Champions League matches and live Sky horse racing.