Mark King on a walk commemorating the 111th anniversary of the First Battle of the Marne

A memorial plaque to first British solider killed in the 1st World War — Credit – Mark King

In many ways, the north London suburb of Finchley is typical of many communities in the difficult days of the First World War.

Men and women volunteered or were recruited to serve, letters were written to loved ones back at home, hospital staff nursed the injured, families tried to keep going in the absence of breadwinners, modern technologies were adapted to urgent needs. Later, memorials were erected in honour of service and to remember the ‘glorious dead’.

Yes, Finchley may have been a typical community, yet on this walk we’ll explore so much more about life in this London suburb during ‘The Great War’– sights and stories that you may not have noticed.

As a Finchley Society member and London Blue Badge tourist guide, I will lead this gentle 2-hour walk starting at Henly’s Corner and ending in Finchley Central.

Proceeds will support the veterans’ charity, Help for Heroes www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

Celebrate Finchley’s heritage! Booking is now open at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finchley-goes-to-war-first-world-war-guided-walk-tickets-1554279244059?aff=oddtdtcreator

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