Alma Estate
For generations, the Alma Estate, Alma Road and South Street have been part of the story of Ponders End. Historic images, some dating back to 1909, offer a fascinating glimpse into the streets, buildings and places where generations have lived, worked, learned, worshipped and built their lives.
Explore our growing archive of historic photographs, personal memories and community voices, preserving the changing character, identity and heritage of Ponders End for future generations.
1980: When the Towers Defined the Skyline
One photograph. Four towers. Thousands of memories.
‘© Crown Copyright. Historic England Archive.’
On 5 February 1980, a camera captured a moment in the life of the Alma Estate that, at the time, probably seemed completely ordinary. Kestrel House rises on the left, Cormorant House stands on the right, cars line the streets below, and the estate stretches across the landscape of Ponders End.
There was no way of knowing then just how significant this photograph would become. The Alma Estate had been completed in 1968, just twelve years before the photograph was taken. Its four tower blocks, Kestrel House, Cormorant House, Merlin House and Curlew House, became some of the most recognisable landmarks in this part of Ponders End.
But look beyond the concrete and the tower blocks. Behind those windows were homes and lives being lived. Children were growing up, families were building their futures, neighbours were becoming friends, and people were going to work, coming home, shopping locally, attending school and sharing the everyday experiences that would eventually become memories.
For generations of residents, these towers were not simply buildings on the Ponders End skyline. They were home.
The Alma Heritage Archive belongs to the community and it continues to grow with every contribution.
📸 Share your photographs to help capture the changing face of the Alma Estate.
💬 Tell your story by sharing memories of people, places, celebrations and everyday life.
❤️ Preserve our heritage so future generations can discover the history, culture and community spirit that made the Alma Estate special.
Every photograph, memory and story helps preserve the rich history of the Alma Estate for future generations. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this growing community archive.
Have something to share? We would love to hear from you.
South Street, Ponders End, 1909
Alma Road, early days
Alma Road, 90-112, 1957
Alma Road, 1978
Photography Credit: Enfield Local Studies & Archive
Every photograph, memory and story helps preserve the rich history of the Alma Estate for future generations. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this growing community archive.