Spurs launch heritage trail to highlight historic connections around Tottenham

Fans can explore the club’s connections to the local area around the stadium, writes Olivia Opara

Tottenham High Road reflected in glass at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur have launched a new heritage project showcasing its history and connection to the local area.

The club launched the ‘Tottenham Hotspur Heritage Trail’ detailing the history of the club, local area and architecture of the stadium.

The trail features 16 ‘heritage points’ around the stadium and along the High Road such as the Cockerel Clock that was reinstated back in June.

The project comes following a consultation carried out by the club and a range of local heritage groups, including English Heritage and Historic England, with additional funding from Haringey Council.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: “Tottenham as an area is evolving – driven by the stadium, historic properties have been restored to their former glory and new businesses are arriving in the area, creating a thriving destination and boosting the local economy.

“As we move forward, it is incredibly important that we never lose sight of the roots of both the club and the local area, with so much history that surrounds us dating back hundreds of years.

“Our Heritage Trail brings all of these fascinating stories to life, providing a unique way for our fans to gain further insight into their club’s early beginnings and for local people, particularly school children, to take pride in the history of their neighbourhood.”

Lord Mendoza, chair of Historic England, said: “As a lifelong Spurs fan I am particularly pleased to see how the club is investing in historic buildings and promoting its heritage as a key part of supporting the local community.

“We are supporting this mission with our ‘High Street Heritage Action Zone’ in Tottenham which is delivering tangible improvements to historic buildings and creating new cultural activities around Bruce Grove. Investment is key to making the most of our historic places, balancing growth with retaining character to deliver strong place-making that benefits local people.”

Highlights of the Tottenham Hotspur Heritage Trail:

Bobby Buckle’s House – the first registered address of the club and home to one of the three founders who formed the club in 1882;
Bill Nicholson’s House – the three-bedroom end of terrace house which was home to the club’s “legendary” former manager;
Warmington House – formerly occupied by John Alfred Prestwich, the inventor of the Model 5 camera chosen for both the Scott and Shackleton Antarctic expeditions, and now home to the OOF Gallery as part of the Tottenham Experience;
Percy House – named after Sir Henry Percy, or ‘Harry Hotspur’ – the mediaeval knight who inspired the club’s name – and now home to the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation;
Dial House – the oldest property within Northumberland Terrace, built for soap manufacturer Moses Trulock in 1691;
The site of the Red House – a plaque marks the site of the club’s first administrative headquarters which housed the office of legendary former manager, Bill Nicholson;
The site of the Black House (800-802 High Road) – once owned by George Henningham, a member of the Royal Court and cousin of Anne Boleyn.

Local residents and fans can take part in the project and follow the trail on the Spurs official app and on the website:
Visit tottenhamhotspur.com/the-club/heritage-trail

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