When a trial excavation was carried out in the gardens of Arno's Grove, it
produced a variety of finds. These included 13th-century pottery, a ditch
or 'ha-ha' and an 18th-century brick drain.
Family home
Arnos Grove was originally named 'Arnolds'. William Acton, who was Lord
Mayor of London in 1640, bought the property in 1645. The banker James
Colebrook gave it the name 'Arno's Grove'. He extended the property in
1719 with the help of architect Robert Taylor.
Still in use
On the entrance wall is a blue plaque that commemorates the Walkers, a
family of brewers who occupied the house for four generations. The house's
name was eventually changed to Nortmeth House in the 20th century, but the
old name survives at the local tube station; Arnos Grove. Since 1997 the
house has served as a residential nursing centre for the elderly.
