Hampstead walk: Stop 7 Crime, punishment and salvation.
- Christian
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
As we make a left turn we begin to climb upwards towards salvation, passing excess and criminality along the way....
The logs is the first peculiarity along the route. A real car crash of architecture and sculpure, the 'chocolate Gateau' of housing it has everything and then a bit more! The architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner describes The Logs as a "formidable atrocity." This eccentric Gothic pile certainly makes a statement with its multi-colored arches, turrets, and intricate carvings. It is perhaps fitting that it was once home to Boy George, the iconic New Romantic singer of the 1980s. The archway showcases the architectural richness of the building, including the two lions resting on the roof. Kids do enjoy pointing out the cat chasing mice along the entrance.
Nestled away from the bustling High Street, the Hampstead Lock-Up is a fascinating piece of local history. Built in 1730, this small, unassuming door in a wall served as a temporary holding cell for local offenders, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of law enforcement before the establishment of the modern police. The building behind it called Cannon Hall used to be the former magistrates' hall, where offenders would be taken from the lock-up and tried. Today, the lock-up is actually a five-bedroom home!
Another oddity along Cannon Lane are the bollards which on close inspection are actually Cannons. The cannons are burried with nose upwards and a cannon ball welded into the barrell to prevent water entering. The Cannons are remnants from one of the previous owners of Cannon Hall Sir James Cosmo Melvill (1792–1861). Melvill bought Cannon Hall around 1838, the year in which he became chief secretary of the company of the East India Company. As he had access to loads of disused cannons these found their way to the new house an excellent recysling idea although hiking them uo to Hampstead must have been a chore . The Hall and area became known for the cannons and still is today.
The house was also home to Gerald du Maurier the actor and brother of Sylvia Llewelyn Davies. Davies was the mother of five boys who were the inspuiration of Peter Pan ( see my earlier post). It was also used for filming the Christopher Nolan film Tenet.
Just across the road from Cannon Hall lies Christ's Church. A Church of England denomination and established in 1850. It is the largest church in Hampstead with one of the tallest spires in London. It's also built on the highest ground with amazing views of the Heath. The spire is so prominent it is used by Thames River pilots to navigate along the river. The church has a strong connection to the Heath; on Ascension Day, the parish priest leads local children in a walk around the Heath, marking the extents of the parish.
As you walk further up the hill, remember to look up. Above the Catto Gallery, you will notice an old French watchmaker's sign. Whilst a relatively recent addition, it reminds one of the influence of French watchmakers led by the Huguenot immigrants from France.
The French influence continues as one crosses Heath Street, although with a more Catholic vibe. One of London's most unusual churches, which could be easily missed. A small church that presents an impressive façade within a typical row of terraced houses. The church was established after the English Reformation of the sixteenth century and served a mainly French congregation. St. Dorothy's convent serves the church and was home to General Charles de Gaulle during the Second World War.
Comments