25 years ago: Corporation apologises for Highgate Wood blunder

October 7 1983 The City of London Corporation has admitted that it blundered in seeking to amend by-laws which protect Highgate Wood from development. But they claim it was a ghastly mistake rather than a sinister plot to help the Departme... » MORE

50 years ago: Searing denunciation of socialist propaganda

October 10 1958 Searing denunciation of false Socialist propaganda against the Rent Act and a promise of easier home ownership brought Mr Henry Brooke, Hampstead s MP and Minister of Housing and Local Government, a hero s ovation by 4,000 de... » MORE

Lottery cash could transform Roundhouse and Hampstead Town Hall

31 July 1998 National Lottery bids totalling £17 million have been lodged to transform the Roundhouse in Camden Town into a vast performing and visual arts centre for young people. The charitable trust of Torquil Norman, the millionaire philanthropist, b... » MORE

Mafia claims in Muswell Hill as scouts are turned into marksmen

29 July 1983 A wood company foreman did not hesitate when a shotgun-armed bandit robbed his firm of wages. He braved being shot and chased after the robber, who escaped in a car with £2,300. It was only later that he discovered the getaway driver was his... » MORE

West Hampstead vicar puts parable of the talents to the test

1 August 1958 Mr Harold Brighouse – author of the famous Lancashire comedy Hobson s Choice – who had lived in Parliament Hill, Hampstead, since 1919, collapsed and died in the Strand on the eve of his 76th birthday. He daily took a five-mile walk across... » MORE

6 August 1982: Man killed by lightning in front of wife and children

A man jogging with his wife and two of his four children was killed by lightning only yards from cover on Parliament Hill during a freak storm. As torrential rain fell, fire engines fr... » MORE

2 August 1957: Troublesome eccentrics plaque Belsize library

St Pancras council, which put its rents down when every other local authority was putting them up, is asked to explain its rents policy to the district auditor, after 15 ratepayers objected that... » MORE

14 June 1957: Where is the X in sex?

Wet and windy Whitsun gave Hampstead Heath fairmen plenty to grumble about, the third bank holiday in a row that it has rained, but hundreds turned out anyway to enjoy all the fun of the fair. Where is the X in sex?... » MORE