Potters Bar Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Hertfordshire (although historically in Middlesex), and around 15 miles north of central London, is the town of Potters Bar.

The name 'Potters Bar' is believed to be a reference to a Roman pottery sited around the area, with the bar being a possible reference to a toll bar on the Great North Road - a historical coaching route between London and Edinburgh.

For centuries, Potters Bar was a small linear settlement on the edge of Enfield Chase. This began to change from around 1850 with the arrival of the railway in the town, built by the Great Northern Railway. This provided easy access to London and brought about a rise in the population. Further growth occurred following the Second World War, as those whose homes had been destroyed in the blitz were provided with accommodation elsewhere.

Due to the nature of its growth, Potters Bar has two main shopping areas: one around the High Street (the focus of this walk) and one around Darkes Lane where the railway station is located.

Historically, Potters Bar was part of the county of Middlesex up until 1965, at which point the ceremonial county of Greater London was formed. However, unlike most of the rest of Middlesex, Potters Bar did not become part of Greater London, but was transferred to Hertfordshire instead. The creation of the Metropolitan Green Belt saw Potters Bar just north of what is effectively the border into London, directly opposite Barnet on the other side. Since 1974 Potters Bar has been situated within the Hertsmere district of Hertfordshire.

In 2002 a tragic rail accident occurred at Potters Bar. Due to what appeared to be poor track maintenance, the fourth carriage derailed and crossed onto the adjacent line where it flipped into the air. It collided with the station, killing seven - six of whom were onboard and one who was on the platform.

Famous people from Potters Bar include album cover artist Storm Thorgerson and actress Letitia Dean of Eastenders fame.

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Filmed: 9th September 2022

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bUeqqXtozxK6agDx8

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Barnet Road
4:15 High Street
13:54 Hatfield Road