Have you ever wondered what stories lie behind Tottenham’s most historic walls, church bells or weather‑worn gravestones? On the first May bank‑holiday Sunday you can discover them all in one leisurely afternoon at the Bruce Castle Heritage Quarter Open Day (BCHQ) — a free celebration of the people and places that shaped our corner of N17.
A festival of “hidden Tottenham”
From 11 am to 4 pm the entire heritage quarter around Bruce Castle Park throws open its doors:
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Bruce Castle Museum & Archive – newly restored galleries unveiled at 11:15 am by the Mayor of Haringey, with guided castle tours rolling every 45 minutes. Refuel in the Old Kitchen Pop‑Up Café, where wartime‑inspired cakes and cordials mark 80 years since VE Day.
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Tottenham Cemetery Chapel – usually locked, the atmospheric 1858 chapel becomes a hub for three eye‑opening walks:
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11 am – “From the Andes to N17”: historian Ashley Grey traces the global adventures of chemist‑philanthropist John Eliot Howard.
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12 noon – “Secret Spurs History”: Martin Burrows reveals how Hotspur’s founders kicked off on marshy fields a stone’s throw away.
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2 pm – “Stories Behind the Stones”: Tony Ball unearths tales of local rebels, reformers and unsung heroes.
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All Hallows Church – the oldest building in Haringey (12th c.) rings in the day at 11:45 am, then welcomes visitors from 1 pm.
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The Priory Gardens – a rare glimpse inside this private 18th‑century oasis, open 1:30 – 4 pm.
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The Antwerp Arms – Tottenham’s community‑owned pub will be open from noon until late.
Pick up the brand‑new Heritage Trail map
Debuting on the day is a beautifully illustrated heritage trail created by local artist Emmie Joanna with commentary from Bruce Castle Museum and the Friends of Tottenham Cemetery. Grab a copy, plot your own route and keep exploring long after the bunting comes down.
Why it matters
The Bruce Castle Heritage Quarter is a microcosm of London’s layered past: Tudor manor house, parish church older than the Reformation, Victorian garden cemetery, even a pub that helped save itself through community shares. By visiting, you’re not just peeking behind normally closed doors; you’re supporting ongoing conservation and proving that heritage is alive, relevant and worth defending.
Plan your visit
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Date: Sunday 4 May 2025 (bank‑holiday weekend)
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Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (plus late drinks at the Antwerp Arms)
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Cost: Absolutely free, no booking required
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Getting there: Bruce Castle Park, Lordship Lane, Tottenham N17 8NU. Buses W3, 123, 243; Bruce Grove Overground 10 min walk. Limited on‑street parking.
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Accessibility: Most venues have step‑free access; call 020 8808 8772 for details.
Pack comfy shoes, charge your phone for photos, and bring curiosity. Whether you stay for a single tour or make a day of it, you’ll come away seeing Tottenham with fresh eyes — and maybe with a slice of VE‑Day sponge in hand.
See you on 4 May at Bruce Castle!