Southgate is a suburb in North London, England.  Located in the London Borough of Enfield, it is a popular residential area due to its proximity to London and many open spaces.  Southgate is relatively green, with numerous parks and woodlands.  Southgate is named after its early function as the southern gate of Enfield Chase, a former royal deer park.  Enfield Chase dates back to the mid-12^th century, when the Royal Family used it as a hunting ground.  Southgate was originally a small hamlet on the edge of Enfield Chase.  It was heavily forested, and much of its greenery still exists today.  In the 16^th century, Southgate’s oak woods were used to produce firewood, charcoal and oak bark, used in the tanning industry.  The settlement remained considerably undeveloped until 1853, when land was sold for development and several new roads were built.  Southgate underwent extensive growth in the 1920s and 1930s.  This is reflected in its architecture, much of which dates back to this era.  Its expansion was aided by the construction of the North Circular Road and Southgate tube station in 1933.