Hendon’s Church Farm House Museum, the borough’s only surviving mid-17th Century building, is housing a display of Civil War memorabilia to mark the 350th anniversary of Oliver Cromwell’s death this month.
Cromwell is best known for his involvement in the Civil War and role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland but was also an MP for Huntingdon and had a number of links with the borough of Barnet.
His son Richard Cromwell, who also became Lord Protector, lived in East Finchley during the 1680s and his daughter Marys marriage to Thomas Belasyse is recorded at St Mary the Virgin Church in East Barnet. Tally Ho Corner, formerly known as Finchley Common, was also the site where 5,000 men, led by General Monck, camped before marching on to London to restore Charles II in 1660.
Cllr Matthew Offord, Cabinet Member for Investment in Learning, said: Oliver Cromwell plays an important role in this country’s history and I think it is fitting that such an historic building should mark the anniversary of his death and encourage local residents to visit one of the boroughs hidden treasures.”
The exhibition, which includes a copy of Cromwell’s death mask and other objects relating to the Civil War, opens until 30 November.
