Oakwood, London

Updated on Dec 18, 2023

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OS grid reference TQ295955 Ceremonial county Greater London Country England Dialling code 020 UK parliament constituency Enfield Southgate		London borough Enfield Region London Sovereign state United Kingdom Post town London

Oakwood is an affluent area of north London, in the London Borough of Enfield. It is situated within the Southgate postal area (London N14) and was, historically, the southernmost area of Enfield Chase.

Local history

The area derives its name from Oakwood Park, which Southgate Council purchased in 1927 and opened to the public. Oakwood Park was named after Oak Lodge, which stood in the grounds between the late 19th century and First World War. There is an avenue of oak trees to the north of the park, which until recently was added to annually by the Mayor.

The arrival in Oakwood of the Piccadilly line extension of the London Underground in 1933 heralded the start of a spectacular building boom. Builders George Reed and Laing bought up much of the land for development and estates began to eat up the countryside along Bramley Road and towards Cockfosters.

Following the war a number of shops were opened around the Underground station, and today Oakwood has many shops, restaurants and services.

Prior to development, the only major building in the area was South Lodge - one of the four lodges of Enfield Chase. South Lodge was demolished in 1935; West Lodge Park, East Lodge Nursery, and North Lodge Farm are the locations of the other three lodges. South Lodge Drive and South Lodge Crescent are reminders of South Lodge.