This article by Stephen Gilburt was first published by The Enfield Society in newsletter 231, Autumn 2023. All photographs are by the author.
In 1728 James Brydges, first Duke of Chandos, petitioned the Crown for permission to build a new lodge near Old Pond and enclose 200 acres plus other land on Enfield Chase totalling a further 250 acres. Although his petition was rejected, North Lodge was built later in the 18th century, after the former royal hunting ground of Enfield Chase has been enclosed in 1777. When the North Lodge estate was sold in 1799 it was valued at £8,000. The building was extended in the 19th and 20th centuries.
North Lodge was at one time occupied by the Marchioness of Ely and was for some years the home of the Gundry family. The 1911 census records it as the residence of Sir William and Lady Gundry.
In the 1930s it was a private preparatory school known as Kilwinton Hall. After the Second World War North Lodge was purchased by Middlesex County Council to become a remand home called St Nicholas House. In 1993 it was sold to become the private St John’s Senior School. The colour photographs were take in September 2000 when the school was opened to the public as part of the annual Open House London weekend and visitors were shown around by the Headmaster.
For more information see Treasures of Enfield, Discovering the buildings of a London Borough, edited by Valerie Carter (EPS, 2000) and The Story of Enfield Chase by David Pam (EPS 1984).
The south entrance front of the original late 18th century rendered brick Grade II listed structure is on the left. It rises two storeys to a balustraded slated roof with dormer windows and has a pediment in the centre. The house has retained its timber framed sash windows with glazing bars. The wing on the right was added in the 19th century.
The entrance doorway has a portico with Roman Doric columns and a open pediment.
Above the door is an ornate fanlight.
On the north front is a projecting bay rising to the first floor, with tall sash windows.
The entrance hall and staircase.
This fine 18th century fireplace has survived the many changes of use to North Lodge.