Inspired by a recent read of Metroland, I ventured
out from Baker Street on the Metropolitan line in to the very heart of
Metroland, Moor Park. As the tube approached Moor Park, I could feel the
transition from the urban to the rural as
we headed out through the borderlands of Pinner, through Northwood and
Northwood Hills. Leaving the station at Moor Park, it’s hard to believe
that this idyllic location is actually on the Underground network, just
15 miles from central London, but in Hertfordshire. This is the view north from the platforms.
The view, looking northwards from Moor Park tube station
And this is one of the relatively low bridges which carries the lines northwards.
Bridge carrying the Metropolitan line north from Moor Park
The station, like many towards the ends of the various tune lines
spreading out from the centre, is above ground. The station building
itself is quite small, set on a crescent which seems to double up as a
car park for what must be prime commuter territory.
I was there around 1pm and whilst it was full of cars, I saw very few
people at all. I imagine the rush-hour scene would be somewhat
different.
Moor Park tube station
There’s a small parade of shops immediately outside the
station, and some relatively modern flats.
Shop parade and flats, Moor Park
And then the
houses start. This is the Moor Park Estate, a private residential
estate.
Sign for the Moor Park estate
The word houses is perhaps an under-statement … these are what
one might prefer to call homes, possibly mansions. These are mostly
detached, all set well back from the road in mature
gardens. Most of the houses had one, if not more, four wheel drive
vehicles parked on their spacious driveways, many with personalised
number plates. Most had visible CCTV, which no doubt caught me wandering
in amazement.
I could have taken hundreds of pictures of the leafy avenues and magnificent houses, but these are some of my favourite ones.
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
The next two pictures are of Main Avenue, the first looking up the hill away from the station, the second looking back down the hill towards the station.
Main Avenue, Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
Main Avenue, Moor Park estate, Hertfordshire
The whole area was beautifully clean,
no doubt kept that way but the estate’s various contractors who I saw
as gardeners, builders and security guards. The one piece of litter I
did see was, perhaps appropriately, a Waitrose paper cup, and even one
small area of dereliction I spotted was neatly
fenced off, presumably soon to be transformed into something more
fitting for the area.
Moor Park is also featured in John Betjeman’s, still available, wonderful 1973 documentary, Metro-land, as are several other places on
my list. Croxley Green and Chorleywood to name but two. I’ve watched
this many times and never tire of his commentary and
wit.
In other news, I have recently finished reading Concretopia, which despite my kids asking me why I am reading a book about concrete, I have thoroughly enjoyed. It covers the history of the rebuilding of post-war Britain, from the Gorbals in Glasgow, to the new town of Milton Keynes, from Festival Hall to the Barbican. It will certainly make me look at 1950’s buildings, houses and tower blocks with a different eye now.
