Seven Sisters’s name is derived from seven elms which were planted in a circle with a walnut tree at their centre on an area of common land known as Page Green.

In his early seventeenth-century work, Brief Description of Tottenham, local vicar and historian William Bedwell singled out the Page Green walnut tree for particular mention. He wrote of it as a local ’arboreal wonder’ which ’flourished without growing bigger’. He described it as popularly associated with the burning of an unknown Protestant. There is also speculation that the tree was ancient, possibly going back as far as Roman times, perhaps standing in a sacred grove or pagan place of worship.

The walnut vanished at some point, leaving the circle of elms. These were first recorded as the Seven Sisters in 1732.

The location of the seven trees can be tracked through a series of maps from 1619 on. From 1619 they are shown in a position which today corresponds with the western tip of Page Green at the junction of Broad Lane and the High Road. With urbanisation radically changing the area, the ’Seven Sisters’ had been replanted by 1876, still on Page Green, but further to the east. Contemporary maps show them remaining in this new location until 1955.

The trees formed a well-known landmark. So much so that a new thoroughfare connecting Tottenham to Camden Town in 1840 was named Seven Sisters Road.

In 1852, the originals were in a sorry state and new trees were planted by the seven daughters of a Mr J McRae. These elms lasted just 20 years, when a newspaper described "six venerable and withered trunks" (perhaps the stumps of the originals were still hanging around). A new circle was planted on 2 March 1886 when local siblings called Rosa, Alice, Amy, Edith, Julia, Georgina and Matilda Hibbert — the only family in Tottenham to contain seven sisters and no brothers — did the honours.

Over the years, the sisters returned to view their handiwork. Matilda’s was the only one that wouldn’t take. According to a later interview, the sister "pointed to her withered tree and said, ’I’m the doomed one’". Alas, her premonition came true. Mathilda passed away in 1900. Her six siblings lived on, regrouping at the elms each year. Five trees had died by 1928 when three of the surviving Hibberts were recommissioned to "make good the deficiency". The six sisters continued their reunion until at least 1937, bringing the original commemorative brooches and spades used in 1886. One of these spades can still be seen at the Bruce Castle Museum in Tottenham.

Further plantings took place in 1955, courtesy of sisters named Basten. Perhaps because elms had proven too fragile for the ground, this iteration opted for Italian polar, and the trees were planted in two clumps rather than a ring. The most recent ceremony drew on the digging skills of five local families, all blessed with seven sisters. This time hornbeams were chosen. The still-standing ring was installed at the centre of Page Green in 1996. You can view it today, although there’s no obvious plaque or information board recalling the centuries-old tradition.

The current ring of hornbeam trees was planted in 1997 in a ceremony led by five families of seven sisters.

Seven Sisters station was constructed by the Great Eastern Railway on its Stoke Newington & Edmonton Railway line and opened on 22 July 1872. On 1 January 1878, the GER opened a branch line, the Palace Gates Line, from Seven Sisters station to Noel Park and later that year to Palace Gates (Wood Green) station.

The first section of the Victoria line opened on 1 September 1968 serving Seven Sisters, although a shared entrance and interchange facilities with the surface station were not opened until December 1968. The original GER entrance to the station was situated in West Green Road at the north end of the surface station, but the new combined entrance was opened in Seven Sisters Road at the south end on the site of a former wood merchants yard, connecting to the west end of the Victoria line platforms. The original (1872) entrance was closed at that time.

The section of Victoria line between Seven Sisters and Finsbury Park stations is the longest between adjacent stations in deep level tunnels on the London Underground network. During the planning phase of the Victoria line, thought was given to converting Manor House into a Victoria line station and diverting the Piccadilly line in new tunnels directly from Finsbury Park to Turnpike Lane via Harringay Green Lanes, but the idea was abandoned because of the inconvenience this would cause, as well as the cost.

Licence: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence

---

LDNnews 22 Jun 2017 14:55 IP: 66.249.75.201 1498175450 1498730100	Lacey Turner flashes engagement ring in sunny London The EastEnders actress, 29, looked effortlessly chic in a summery green dress and retro shades as she embarked on another busy day in the capital. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4625842/Lacey-Turner-flashes-engagement-ring-sunny-London.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 21 Jun 2017 12:43 IP: 51.255.65.5 1498175450 1498635794	Woody Harrelson at Planet of the Apes screening in London US acting legend Woody plays Colonel in the latest installment of the hit franchise, while motion caption wiz Andy returns as Caesar. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4619578/Woody-Harrelson-Planet-Apes-screening.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 21 Jun 2017 12:43 IP: 51.255.65.5 1498175450 1498635794	Supersonic 'baby boom' aircraft to take off next year Supersonic flight tests will be conducted next year near Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California in partnership with Virgin Galactic's The Spaceship Company. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4622382/Supersonic-baby-boom-aircraft-year.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 21 Jun 2017 12:43 IP: 51.255.65.5 1498175450 1498635794	Cladding on Grenfell Tower is banned on UK high-rises, says Philip Hammond Cladding on Grenfell Tower is banned on UK high-rises, says Philip Hammond https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/cladding-on-grenfell-tower-banned-in-uk-says-philip-hammond
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 14:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Last suspects in London Bridge attack released Three men arrested over the last week in connection with the atrocity have been freed from custody without chargeThe last people arrested and questioned by detectives investigating the London Bridge terror attack have been released without charge, Scotland Yard said.A 27-year-old man arrested at an address in Ilford, east London, on Friday 9 June, a 28-year-old arrested in Barking on Saturday 10 June and a 19-year-old man also arrested in Barking the following day have been released from custody. A Metropolitan police spokesman said all 17 others arrested as part of the investigation had already been released without charge. Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/16/suspects-london-bridge-attack-released
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 13:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Cladding in London high-rise fire also blamed for 2014 Melbourne blaze Cladding in London high-rise fire also blamed for 2014 Melbourne blaze https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/15/cladding-in-2014-melbourne-high-rise-blaze-also-used-in-grenfell-tower
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 01:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Next year's Queen's Speech cancelled to give more time on Brexit laws, Conservatives announce Next year's Queen's Speech is being cancelled by the Government in a rare move designed to ease in the new Brexit laws. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/next-years-queens-speech-cancelled-to-give-more-time-on-brexit-laws-conservatives-announce-a3567436.html
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	The Guardian view on Grenfell Tower: Theresa May's Hurricane Katrina | Editorial The Guardian view on Grenfell Tower: Theresa May's Hurricane Katrina | Editorial https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/commentisfree/2017/jun/15/the-guardian-view-on-grenfell-tower-theresa-may-hurricane-katrina
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Fearne Cotton nails colour blocking chic in London The fashion conscious TV and radio personality, 35, was hard to miss in a vibrant lilac sweater and mismatched red flares ahead of her daily live show on BBC Radio 2. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4559340/Fearne-Cotton-nails-colour-blocking-chic.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Chloe Goodman cosies up to Jordan Clarke at Heathrow Chloe Goodman cosies up to Jordan Clarke at Heathrow http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4563486/Chloe-Goodman-cosies-footballer-beau-Jordan-Clarke.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4565758/Driver-fined-80-parking-100-000-BMW-illegally.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	TOWIE's Jamie Reed cosies up to Jade Lewis at charity bash Jamie Reed and Jade Lewis took time out of their filming schedule to attend the Don't Suffer in Silence Black Tie Gala in London on Friday. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4568030/Jamie-Reed-cosies-Jade-Lewis-charity-bash.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	London Terror Attack: Woman begs loved one to hold on WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT. Harrowing footage showing a woman begging her loved one to hold on while a paramedic desperately fought to save him has emerged online. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4570634/Woman-begs-loved-one-hold-terror-attack.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Met boss pays tribute to officer who fought London jihadi The Met officer was having a drink with friends after work when he saw his uniformed colleagues and members of the public being 'severely assaulted'. He fought off the knifemen with his bare hands. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4572756/Policeman-fought-jihadi-killers-bare-hands.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Australian nurse killed during London Bridge attack A nurse living in London is the first Australian confirmed dead following Saturday's terror attack in the city as fears grow for a Brisbane nanny who is still missing. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4576754/Australian-nurse-killed-London-terror-attacks.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Family of London Bridge terrorist Khuram Butt condemn him Khuram Butt's family said its 'heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families' of the eight killed and 48 injured during the terrorist;'s rampage through London Bridge. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4581994/Family-London-Bridge-terrorist-Khuram-Butt-condemn-him.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Why did BBC cut 'Allah' references from interview? Karrien Stevens, who runs Little Diamonds Nursery in Hermon Hill, London said a member of her staff was slashed with a 'Stanley knife' by three 'Asian women' chanting about 'Allah' and the 'Koran'. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4584886/Why-did-BBC-cut-Allah-references-interview.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	David Beckham and James Corden audition for 007 in sketch The 42-year-old retired footballer got suited and booted as James Bond in a hilarious skit with James Corden on Thursday on The Late Late Show from London. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4587014/David-Beckham-James-Corden-audition-007-sketch.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Police make new arrest in east London over attacks A 28-year-old man was held on suspicion of terror offences following the raid on Saturday morning raid in east London, Scotland Yard said. Officers raided a home in Barking shortly after 2am. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4590466/Police-make-new-arrest-east-London-attacks.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Moped thieves drag fearless woman along a London road The brave victim was injured after her legs were scraped along the ground at speed, in Wimbledon, South London. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4596570/Moped-thieves-drag-fearless-woman-road.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Daylight robbery in the grasslands Daylight robbery in the grasslands https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/12/daylight-robbery-in-the-grasslands
LDNnews 17 Jun 2017 22:50 IP: 151.80.27.116 1498175450 1498366223	Duke of Westminster's property group to build 1,500 rental homes in London Duke of Westminster's property group to build 1,500 rental homes in London https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jun/14/duke-of-westminsters-property-group-to-build-1500-rental-homes-in-london
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 19:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale This Blackheath ex-Olympic basketball player has opened her own boxing gym Olympic basketball to boutique boxing gym is an unusual career path, but it's what this Blackheath woman has done. http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/15350379.This_Blackheath_ex_Olympic_basketball_player_has_opened_her_own_boxing_gym/?ref=rss
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 04:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale Theresa May prepares to meet Arlene Foster for crucial talk over DUP deal Theresa May and Democratic Unionist Party lead Arlene Foster will meet today to hold crucial talks over a deal to prop up a Tory minority Government. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-prepares-to-meet-arlene-foster-for-crucial-talk-over-dup-deal-a3563551.html
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 03:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale BA board members set to demand inquiry over IT meltdown that stranded 75,000 passengers The firm was accused of greed after the GMB union suggested the disruption could have been prevented if the beleaguered airline had not cut "hundreds of dedicated and loyal" IT staff and contracted the work to India in 2016. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/ba-board-members-set-to-demand-inquiry-over-it-meltdown-that-stranded-75000-passengers-a3554071.html
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 03:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale Gareth Bale revels in 'dream come true' as Real Madrid win Champions League in Wales Gareth Bale has revelled in a "dream come true" as Real Madrid made Champions League history in Wales. http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/gareth-bale-revels-in-dream-come-true-as-real-madrid-win-champions-league-in-wales-a3556331.html
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 03:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale London Bridge stations reopen after terrorist attack London Bridge station has reopened in time for rush hour on Monday morning after the terror attack that claimed seven lives. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-bridge-tube-station-reopens-after-terror-attack-a3556766.html
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 02:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale FA begins new crackdown on England troublemakers with life bans for fans The Football Association has begun a crackdown on what they believe is a new generation of potential troublemakers by issuing life bans to England supporters for the first time. http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fa-begins-new-crackdown-on-england-troublemakers-with-life-bans-for-fans-a3558631.html
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 02:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale 'Is Romelu Lukaku a top, top player?' - Chelsea transfer target doubted by former Everton midfielder John Collins Former Everton midfielder John Collins has questioned whether Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku is a top player and is good enough to play for a leading European side. http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/is-romelu-lukaku-a-top-top-player-chelsea-transfer-target-doubted-by-former-everton-midfielder-john-a3559576.html
LDNnews 18 Jun 2017 02:01 IP: 46.229.168.68 1498175450 1498370469	Post from Tottenham Hale Tottenham icon Gary Mabbutt returns home after successful heart surgery Tottenham icon Gary Mabbutt recovering from heart surgery will continue at home after the former club captain was released from hospital. http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-icon-gary-mabbutt-returns-home-after-successful-heart-surgery-a3563471.html

---

Please enter your name:

Enter the information you wish to add to Seven Sisters:

Small print: Ensure that comments are kept civilised and are not abusive. We store your IP address and reserve the right to apply bans where community standards are violated.

Please prove that you are a human by typing the text that you see in the picture below.

Type the text:

---

Upload an image You can add an image to this location if you are logged into our Facebook app.

Add new information to this location You can add text to this location if you are logged into our Facebook app.

Log on via Facebook You can use a Facebook id to add material to this website.