A rural hillside in the 16C, Highgate attracted rich merchants who built their summer residences here from the 17C. The village, centred on Pond Square and High Street, still retains its pastoral character. At the threshold of North Road, opposite Highgate School (founded in 1565 and rebuilt in 1866), are some late-18C Georgian houses (nos1 to 11, and nos15, 17, 19, 47 and 49).