About Temple Fortune
North of Golders Green, and bordering both Finchley and Hampstead Garden Suburb, Temple Fortune is popular among professionals and young families looking to enjoy easy access to central London and the wide-open spaces of Hampstead Heath. It's also home to the popular shopping destination for residents across NW11, Temple Fortune Parade.
A short history
The unusual name refers to the fact that land in the area was once owned by the Knights Templar and, until the Finchley Road was built in the 1820s, the area was little more than a farmstead. By the end of the 19th century, most of the land, by that stage owned by Eton College, was divided into three farms, one of which was known as Temple Fortune Farm. The eastern side of Temple Fortune became the artisans' quarter of neighbouring Hampstead Garden Suburb, providing shops for residents thanks to the suburb's philosophy of banishing commercial enterprises to the fringes of the estate. They are said to be based on those in medieval towns in Bavaria.
Green spaces and going out
The entrance to Hampstead Heath Extension is just a 15-minute stroll from Temple Fortune Parade, Princes Park at the Memorial Gate Temple has a children's playground and two tennis courts. Temple Fortune Parade is home to several shops and restaurants (several of which are highly recommended by restaurant critic Giles Coren, who grew up in Temple Fortune).
Transport
Golders Green Underground station (Zone 3), on the Edgware branch of the Northern Line, is a 15-minute walk. Trains to the West End take 30 mins.
Did you know?
Temple Fortune was home to the Aida Foster School of Drama which ran from 1929 to 1969; past pupils include Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Windsor and Jean Simmons.
