Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Muswell Hill is a former hamlet that is now a suburban area in the north-west of Hornsey, Middlesex. The name reputedly derives from an ancient holy well (the 'Mus Well', i.e. 'Mossy Well') which now lies under a house on Muswell Road. The origins of the hamlet are believed to lie in the establishment in the 12th century of a dairy farm by the nunnery of St Mary, Clerkenwell. The nuns erected a small chapel at the site and the well was a place of pilgrimage. By the 18th century Muswell Hill was a scattered village consisting mainly of detached villas with large gardens. The 20 years after the establishment of Hornsey urban district (1895) saw Muswell Hill transformed as it became part of the growing town. The present Haringey council has described the area as an ‘exceptional example of a complete Edwardian suburb’. The area is within the council area of Haringey.

Place Type: Urban locality
Historic County: Middlesex
Lat, Long: 51.591012,-0.142307
Grid Reference: TQ 2878 8965
Council Area: Haringey CA
Strategic Authority Area: Greater London SA
Police Area: Metropolitan PA

GBPN ID: 31604
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Muswell_Hill,_Middlesex_31604

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