Is Enfield in London or Essex?

By Alice Nichols

Enfield is a borough in London, but it is also the name of a town that is partially located in Essex. The confusion about whether Enfield is in London or Essex arises because the town of Enfield spans both of these areas, making it difficult to determine which county it belongs to.

Location

Enfield Town is situated in the north-western part of Greater London, about 10 miles from central London. The area is bordered by Hertfordshire to the north and west and Essex to the east.

The Borough of Enfield

The borough of Enfield covers an area of 31.74 square miles and is home to around 333,869 people. It comprises several towns, including Enfield Town, Edmonton, Southgate, Palmers Green, and Winchmore Hill.

Enfield Town

Enfield Town is a historic market town that dates back to the Roman era. It was once a rural village but has since grown into a bustling urban center with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail areas.

Essex or London?

The confusion over whether Enfield is in Essex or London stems from the fact that Enfield Town falls within both counties’ boundaries. The eastern part of Enfield Town lies within the administrative boundary of Essex County Council, while the western section falls under Greater London Authority’s jurisdiction.

Postal Addresses

Postal addresses for properties in Enfield are also confusing because some areas have an EN postcode (which stands for Enfield) while others have an IG postcode (which stands for Ilford in Essex). Properties on the eastern side usually have an IG postcode while those on the western side have an EN postcode.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may be some confusion about whether Enfield belongs to London or Essex, the answer is that it is technically both. The town of Enfield spans both counties, with the eastern part falling under Essex County Council’s jurisdiction and the western section under Greater London Authority. Nevertheless, Enfield Town remains an important part of Greater London and a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.