The enclave was completely demolished in 1968 to make way for the building of Hornsey School for Girls

Author Hugh Flouch cuts the cake with the mayor of Haringey and Catherine West

It was a full-house of 90 for the launch of Hugh Flouch’s new book at Hornsey School for Girls.

Abyssinia: Hornsey’s Lost Village is a “lavishly illustrated study of the development and social history” of the small enclave of six residential roads that was called Abyssinia for its first quarter-century, before being rechristened Hornsey Vale by popular demand.

The enclave was completely demolished in 1968 to make way for the building of Hornsey School for Girls.

Hornsey Historical Society (HHS) President Peter Barber introduced the evening and was followed by the curator of Bruce Castle Museum, Deborah Hedgecock, with a contribution about the work of the Haringey Archives service.

Author Hugh Flouch offered a “highly entertaining and informative account” of the history of the area, how he researched the subject and the contacts he made. This was followed by many contributions and questions from the audience

Guests of honour included Catherine West MP as well as Haringey mayor Sue Jameson.

A couple of former residents of the enclave also attended the event. Mrs Andrews attended with her daughter, while Alan Blunden came along with his brother. Both held the appreciative audience spellbound as they described Hornsey Vale and its residents.

The evening was rounded off with a tour round the school where Hugh pointed out where the Abyssinia public house, the houses and the shops once stood and where the roads were laid out. Mrs Andrews and Alan Blunden shared their vivid memories as the tour progressed.

Abyssinia is available to order online for £18:
Visit hornseyhistorical.org.uk/abyssinia-hornseys-lost-village

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