East Finchley Takes Shape
By Tony Roberts

Finchley was firmly on the map by 1199 when King John exempted the Bishop and his tenants within his domain of Finchley from the payment of various taxes.

Settlement had originated at the intersection of Hendon Lane and East End Road, early routes hugging the two main sides of the Finchley triangle. Originally the dense woodland on clay soil yielded wood products - timber and charcoal - and foraging for pigs. As the area was cleared eastwards from the manor house, this yielded to grazing sheep and hay production. The tenancy of the manor by the wealthy Adam de Basing, Tailor and Chief Financier to Henry III, probably accelerated this.

Scattered settlements appeared along East End Road, collectively known as East End. Access to water from the shallow gravel layer allowed many cottages to have their own well. The gravel seams exposed by the south facing slopes of Mutton Brook, would have been attractive for crops. Small settlements grew up along the winding track at the edge of the common, including Cuckolds Haven and Fallow Corner, presumably housing many copy holders, those with rights to make use of the common.

The High Road Appears