ST JOHNS WOOD, London NW8

The name originates from the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem which took over the land from the Knights Templar in 1323. Soon after St John's Wood became Crown land, and Henry VIII established Royal Hunting Grounds. The hunting grounds later became named Marylebone Park (which at the time was north of St Johns Wood). St Johns Wood was the first part of London to abolish terrace houses for the semi-detached villa – a move that has transformed the property scenario in the area and is evident today.

Writers, scholars, Artists, and scientists made their homes in St John's Wood throughout the 19th century and it didn't take long for affluent business men, families and tradesmen to follow. In the 19th century many famous structures were built including the cricket grounds, St Marylebone Almshouses, the Church of Our Lady, St. Mark's Church, and Hamilton Terrace were developed.

The area was damaged badly due to bombings at the time of WWII and many houses disappeared completely. After the war, new roads, railways and new apartment blocks were built on the ruins. St John’s Wood was announced as a Conservation Area in the 1960’s by English Heritage.

St Johns wood is very close to Primrose Hill and of course Hampstead and also benefits from the following smaller parks:

1. St John's Wood Parish Park - NW8
   This small park is located behind the church. It also has a children's playground near Wellington Place end. It has all the usual playground equipment and has toilets nearby, very handy!
2. Violet Hill – off Abbey Gardens - NW8
   These are pretty, well looked after gardens and they also boast a children's playground. The play area has an activity structure on a safety surface. You may or may not be pleased to hear that dogs are not allowed.

Tubes

• St. John's Wood - Jubilee Line.
• Maida Vale - Bakerloo Line - station is very close to St Johns Wood

Trains

• Kilburn High Road & South Hampstead – Both are close to St Johns Wood and run from Euston out to Watford Junction.

Transport Links
Very good access to the West End and North London and benefits from the following main roads:

• Finchley Road
• Close to the Westway (A40)
• Adjacent to the Edgware Road
• Close to Marylebone Road

Primary Schools

• Barrow Hill Junior School
• Gateway Primary School
• George Eliot Junior School
• Jack Taylor School
• Swiss Cottage School

Secondary Schools

• The American School in London
• Quintin Kynaston School
• Jack Taylor School
• Swiss Cottage School

Places to eat local to St Johns Wood:

• Poem ( Our favorite !!! )
• Kamils (Lebanese)
• Bhanthai (Thai)
• Harry Morgan ( Jewish Deli )  
• Sofra (Turkish)
• Royal China (Chinese)
• L'Aventure (French)
• Rosmarino (Italian)
• Pizza Express (Pizza & Pasta)
• Carluccio's Caffé (Italian)
• Zizzi (Pizza & Pasta)
• Pizza Express (Pizza &Pasta)

Places to drink local to St Johns Wood:

• Duke of York
• Ordnance
• Star
• Clifton
• Salt House

Things to do and see local to St Johns Wood:

• Alfie's Antique Market - on Church Street - 200 antique dealers!
• St John's Wood Library – open 7 days a week
• Lords Cricket Ground –attracting thousands of visitors a year
• exclusive retail outlets – many non locals to the high street for the shops!