October 11, 2008   

The Walker Family

Door in the East Boundary Wall cut to allow the first vicar to reach the church from the Walker estate

The building of the present church owed much to the great generosity of local gentlemen, notably of Mr Isaac Walker who, with his wife and family, including seven sons, all famous cricketers, lived at Arnos Grove. Here is an account of the Walker Family by Ruby Galili of the Edmonton Hundred Historical Society.

The link between the Christ Church and the Walkers was further strengthened when the first Vicar of Christ Church, the Revd James Baird, married Miss Anna Walker. When the Vicar was inducted to Christ Church, a private doorway was cut in the wall which divided the church land from the Walker estate, presumably so that he might more easily and quickly reach the church. The doorway can still be seen in the east boundary wall.