Jaytalks can offer your group, society or association a 60-minute illustrated presentation on a variety of topics covering local history in Enfield and Central London. All equipment is supplied by Jaywalks.
All these talks can be presented via Zoom
Enfield Talks Prospectus
1. Treason Plots and Murder
The 17th century saw half a dozen plots against the Stuart dynasty; many had local connections. This talk looks at how events and personalities in Enfield impinged on these conspiracies.
2. Henrietta Cresswell’s Winchmore Hill
A surprising amount of “Little Winifred’s Lost Village” remains. With old photos and Henrietta’s book, we recreate pre-railway Winchmore Hill and its fascinating characters.
3. Markets, Fairs and Festivals of Enfield
The history of markets and festivals we still enjoy today. We also discover the “Enfield Bonfire Boys” and “The Cheese Fair”, and how Enfield drew thousands to its pageants.
4. Elizabeth’s Gentlemen
Elizabethan Edmonton and Enfield had some very influential citizens. We uncover a selection that would have been known personally to the Virgin Queen, for good or ill.
5. A Spoonful of Sugar
From Pest House to North Middlesex Hospital, this presentation looks at the historic development of the health service in Enfield.
6. The Strange Case of Elizabeth Canning
The great mid-18th-century mystery that captured the attention of Henry Fielding. A young girl disappears for a month, claiming to be held at Ordnance Road. We speculatively investigate.
7. Charles Lamb in Enfield
Charles Lamb and John Keats are considered giants of words and poetry, but both lives were plagued by tragedy. Both knew Enfield and Edmonton well enough to be considered local sons.
8. The Lost Buildings of Edmonton
Pymmes, Weir Hall, Bury Lodge, and the Empire on the Hill are just some of the landmarks that disappeared last century which conservationists would fight tooth and nail for today.
9. 20th Century Women of Enfield
Available as 30-minute mix-and-match presentations to build a 60-minute talk. Features Gladys Aylward, Florence Dugdale, Eileen Younghusband, Edna Clarke Hall, Nancy Tait, and Frances Perry.
10. Enfield Chase
Covering two-thirds of the Old Parish of Enfield, the Chase was an essential asset to the common folk and served as the area’s very first industrial zone.
11. New Lamps for Old
A history of the development of the electrical industry in Enfield. In the first half of the 20th century, this area was the absolute equivalent to Silicon Valley.
12. Leigh Hunt
James Henry Leigh Hunt was born in Southgate and became a friend of Keats, Shelley, Lamb, Byron, and Dickens—though his companionship wasn’t always appreciated.
13. Georgian Enfield
A comprehensive and fascinating historical survey of the old parish of Enfield during the 18th century.
14. Suffragettes and Suffragists
Several leading personalities from the “Votes for Women” campaign visited our area. This talk introduces the women and the local venues where they appeared.
15. Southgate
A detailed and wonderfully brief look into the local history of N14.
16. Enfield in WW1
Did you know Enfield pre-empted the rest of England by effectively declaring war a whole week early?
17. The Dark Side of Enfield
Delve into the eerie history of the old parish of Enfield, uncovering stories of local ghosts, witchcraft, and historical murder.
18. The New River
An important part of the topography of Enfield for 400 years, the history of this water company had a much wider influence than you might think.
19. The Hungry Years
A deep dive into what daily life looked like across the Borough during the challenging 14th century.
20. Ice Age to Saxons
A comprehensive look exploring the earliest archaeological and recorded history of early Enfield.
21. Enfield Entertains
An engaging retrospective looking back at over 30 historic theatres and cinemas that used to operate across the borough.
22. The De Mandevilles and After
Tracing the dynamic timeline and impacts of Norman rule across ancient Enfield.
23. Famous Residents
A historic look highlighting some of the most important and influential horticulturalists in Enfield’s rich history.
24. Forty Hall
The fascinating history of the true “Jewel in the Crown” among Enfield’s beautiful heritage buildings.
25. Education, Education, Education
A look at the historic battles between the church, state, and private charities for ultimate control over the education of our young.
26. Anglican Churches of Enfield
In 1800, St Andrews and All Saints were the only parish churches in our borough. By the end of the century, that number exploded to 20.
27. The Rude Multitude
Exploring the local factions, friction, and events in Enfield during the turbulent English Civil War.
28. Enfield in WW2
A comprehensive and personal historical review of life on the home front in Enfield from 1939 to 1945.
29. Palmers Green
Palmers Green only truly developed in the Edwardian period, but it quickly gathered a fine selection of buildings, personalities, and anecdotes.
30. Victorian Enfield
The dramatic arrival of the railways, the rapid development of local government, and the rise of early industry.
31. John Keats in Enfield & Edmonton
Hampstead always claims Keats as their son, but our borough actually holds a much bigger and earlier claim to his formative years.
32. The Royal Small Arms Factory
An deep dive into the massive military manufacturing industry that proudly put Enfield squarely on the global map for 170 years.
33. Bowles Family of Myddelton House & Forty Hall
Henry Carrington Bowles married incredibly well. Learn how his wealthy descendants lived and mixed directly with royalty.
34. Forty Hill, Bulls Cross & Whitewebbs
An architectural and historical look at the fine collection of grand Georgian buildings sitting on the northern fringe of Enfield.
35. Bounds Green & New Southgate
Tiptoeing carefully along the border of Haringey and Enfield, we discover what local life was like right on the edge.
36. Clay Hill
Uncovering and revealing the pristine, rustic countryside elements of Enfield’s historical landscape.
37. Lavender Hill Cemetery
A history of Victorian & Edwardian Enfield told via the great and good resting here—who might turn in their graves if they heard what I say about them!
38. Some Lost Buildings of Enfield
We piece together history to include Elsyng Palace among twenty grand local buildings that are sadly no more.
39. Bush Hill Park
A look into how Artisan Dwellings, Rustic Bijou Villas, and Grand Mansions all uniquely found a home right here.
40. Women at Forty Hall
Using our beautiful local stately home as a backdrop, we critically look at women’s changing place in society throughout the ages.
41. Homes Fit for Heroes
A comprehensive urban history tracking the progressive timeline of Social Housing initiatives across the Borough of Enfield.
42. For Arts Sake
Enfield historically has a quiet record for public art. This presentation uncovers the interesting pieces that are hidden in plain public view.
43. Arnos Grove
A complete history of the grand estate house, its extensive architectural evolution, and the notable people who lived there.
44. Ponders End
A comprehensive virtual walk and photographic investigation exploring the hidden gems of South East Enfield.
45. Lancaster Road
Uncovering the deep local stories tying together Lancaster Road, the Birkbeck Estate, Hilly Fields, and Brigadier Hill.
Book a Presentation
To book a talk or enquire about other presentations, please get in touch:
📧 Email: joe@jaywalks.co.uk
📞 Phone: 0787 553 7295
🌐 Web: www.jaywalks.co.uk