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Much of the area we now call the Watling Estate had been Goldbeaters farm. In 1924 the London County Council decided to establish a number of housing estates in the areas around London, as part of the 'Homes fit for Heroes campaigns. The fourth largest of these areas was the Watling estate.

Barnet Town formed around the junction of Wood Street. St John the Baptist, in High Barnet, is situated at this junction and is the third church building on the site. The first church was built in the 11th century, the second was built in the middle of the 15th century with money left by John Beauchamp.

This is the oldest part of Barnet. There may have been a small hamlet before the church was built. The Church of St Mary's is a medieval building. The church originally belonged to the Abbey at St Albans and was possibly built in the 1140s.

Domesday is the earliest national survey of England. It records nearly every manor in England, giving details of what King William I could expect in taxes. In the London Borough of Barnet only the Manor of Hendon is recorded. The original document is in Latin. Below is a translation:

Report to us: ​stray dogs and dog fouling bonfire problems  dangerous building or structures  fly-tipping (illegal dumping of rubbish)  fly-posting and graffiti  overhanging trees bushes or other foliage and weeds  dead animals  food and safety issues