This was an area devoted mainly to dairy farming for the needs of the capital. In the 18th century William Tufnell was given the Manor of Barnsbury by his godfather, and gave his own name to the area. He got permission to build on the land in the late 18th century, but not much development took place. It was not until the mid-19th century that building commenced in earnest for what was then called the Tufnell Park estate. Mainly villas for the well heeled were built in the 1860s, but by the 1890s cheaper housing for the middle and working classes was the norm.

Between Tufnell Park Road and the railway lines leading to Upper Holloway station is a network of streets which include Tytherton Road, Mercers Road and Beversbrook Road. These contain late Victorian houses. There are some acceptable council houses in Foxham Road. There are earlier Victorian terraces in Tufnell Park Road itself.

South of Tufnell Park Road there are some large houses split into flats, or still used as hotels. Better for housing are the streets near Tufnell Park station, including St George’s Avenue, Hugo Road and Corinne Road.