A fire brigade was formed in Hendon in 1855 and refounded as a volunteer brigade in 1866, with subsidiary stations opened in Mill Hill in 1889 (remains open but relocated) and Childs Hill in 1895 (closed c. 1920). In 1899, Hendon Urban District Council took over the brigade and opened sub-stations the following year at West Hendon (closed 1922), Burnt Oak (closed 1925) and Golders Green (closed 1927). Hendon's fire engine had been kept in a building opposite St. Mary's Church, Church End, but in 1911 Hendon UDC announced a competition for a new fire station. The competition was won by Herbert Welch, architect for much of the nearby centre of Golders Green, an important suburban Edwardian development. The station was designed to harmonise with the Arts and Craft style of the adjacent Urban Council Offices which had opened in 1900. All three buildings: Hendon Fire Station, its neighbour Hendon Library and its neighour Hendon Town Hall, all share the English Herritage Grade II listed status.
*Photo by Tinni Choudhury
There is no need to go onto the station forecourt to retrieve the cache; it can be easily reached from the paved area to the side but watch for muggles due to the university campus. Please bring tweezers and a pen.