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Behold! Hendon Broadway and station
A rather bleak north London jaunt
(Photos ©urban75, 1st April 2010)
Situated 7 miles northwest of Charing Cross, Hendon is a London suburb, with evidence of settlements dating back to Roman times.
The town takes its name from 'Hendun' meaning 'at the highest hill.'
Hendon's main claim to fame is the RAF Museum (formerly Hendon Aerodrome) which is a great day out.
We're sure there's other parts of Hendon that are truly delightful to look at, but we didn't much like what we saw on our brief visit.
Hendon Broadway in all its run-down glory.
Side street off Hendon Broadway.
York Parade, Hendon Broadway.
I'm sure this was an attractive entrance once, but a curious, battered metal 'mini-shop' seems to have been wedged into one half of the doorway.
The abandoned Deerfield and West Hendon Social Club and Institute building at 1-3 Station Road, NW4 4QA
Part of the Working Men's Club and Institute Union (CIU) - a voluntary association of mainly old working mens, ex-service and social clubs - Britain's Social Clubs were a proving ground for generations of live acts, entertainers and comedians on the club circuit.
The old entrance to the club, which closed in 2007.
Detail of the intricate glass window of the Deerfield and West Hendon Social Club and Institute.
West Hendon Baptist church, constructed in 1930, standing in a sea of car-friendly concrete.
The SKLPC Community Centre UK (Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community) at 15A Wilberforce Road, Hendon.
The charity describes its mission to: "To enhance the quality of life through education, cultural, social and sports activities and instil values that will benefit society" [website].
Hendon's railway station is a real shocker. Flanked by a six lane motorway to the right and an ugly industrial estate to the left, it's not the most welcoming view for visitors.
The tiny booking office (closed, natch) perched between the bridge and the passenger bridge is not a welcoming proposition, and things only get worse at platform level.
Despite sporting four platforms, Hendon's passenger facilities are all but non-existent.
Waiting on the windswept platforms.
There's only one mean shelter half way along the platform, with the only other option of sheltering from the rain being under the grim concrete overbridge. It's a truly bleak place.
The journey back to Loughborough Junction has some grim views on offer as the train goes past Elephant and Castle station.
In the background you can see the semi-derelict Heygate Estate (a few hardy souls are still living there, awaiting the inevitable demolition under a massive regeneration plan for the area.
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Hendon photos
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