Bow Lane, which was named for its shape, was constructed in 1814 after the enclosure of Finchley Common.
The route of the lane was originally part of a lengthy track leading across from Muswell Hill through Coldfall Wood to the northern portion of Church End.
Opposite Cobley’s Farm it diverged, the northern portion ultimately doubling back to the Great North Road from Fallow Corner in the form of a "bow," and the western portion proceeding across the fields of the farm to Church End, reaching Ballards Lane by the side of Willow Lodge. The northern of these two branches was known as Fallow Lane.
