Curious Londoners are discovering the lesser-known history of Enfield in a series of guided walks to celebrate the borough’s 50th anniversary.

On Sunday, August 16, 23 people from across London joined local history guide Joe Studman for a tour of Ponders End, where the pioneering electrical factory Ediswan had its base.

The group received a 90-minute lesson on Enfield’s industrial heritage, which includes the very first radio valves, television tubes, and thermos flasks, all invented in the area.

One participant, Leigh Clothier, came from Chingford, Essex, to find out more about the history almost on her doorstep.

She said: “I think it is brilliant that Enfield are doing these walks for their 50th.

“Joe was great and he really put people at ease, made it enjoyable, and answered any questions along the way.”

Ponders End was home to Ediswan Factory, which formed after Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan both claimed to have invented the light bulb at the same time, and then decided to merge.

The factory stood on 100 acres of land, but by the end of the 1980s the industry in Enfield had all but died out due to mergers and takeovers.

Local guide Joe Studman said: “Enfield’s history is terribly important, but all that is left of the factory is a plaque on a Victorian office block.

“The heritage of Enfield is not pushed out enough.”

The history walks are organised by Enfield council, and the next event will tour Palmers Green at 7pm on Tuesday, September 8.

Walkers will visit Broomfield House, Palmers Green Library, the Town Hall and Truro House, among other historical sites and listed buildings.

For more information and to book, visit www.enfield.gov.uk/lbe50