Willesden
Local History Society

Covering Cricklewood, Harlesden, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Neasden, Stonebridge, Park Royal and Willesden

The WLHS was formed in 1974 by local enthusiasts who were interested in the history of the old Borough. The founder members had two main objectives: to ensure that the two thousand years of Willesden's history was not lost when the then new administrative Borough of Brent was born, and to seek out and record historical facts, because a community's future health is enhanced by a good knowledge of its past.

Now, the Society has members of all types, active researchers, family historians, authors, photographers, and some who just enjoy the lectures and fellowship at the meetings. All are welcome.

We are looking for people to become more involved in the running of the Society. Please come along and have a chat with us if you have an interest in local history and would like to help with the Society.

WLHS meets monthly from September to June, when lectures, usually with a Willesden flavour, are presented. A Journal is produced regularly, and from time to time there are guided walks and outings to places of historic interest. The Annual Subscription (£10.00) includes entry to all meetings and free copies of the WLHS Journal.

We do hope you will join us to extend our knowledge of old Willesden.

Click here for the membership application form.

PROGRAMME 2008-9

May 20th ‘Marylebone to Manchester.’ - Peter Rousselange.

Peter, a member of Wembley History Society, visits us again to present an illustrated talk on the old Great Central Railway route which passed through Neasden.

Jun 17th Annual General Meeting (and a short slide show or film of Willesden scenes)

Please come along to support your management team - it really is quite enjoyable! This is also your chance to say thank you to the workers who keep WLHS alive.

July 15th The Summer Guided Tour of Lower Place - Cliff Wadsworth.

Some of us are getting a little ancient and there has been a request for a shorter walk. This one is only about a mile and really is an excuse for having a drink in the Grand Junction Arms afterwards. It may be our last opportunity since the pub is not doing well. However, there are also a few interesting things to be seen on the walk. Meet in the Grand Junction car park to leave at 7:30pm sharp.

Sept. 16th ‘Kingsbury Lawn Cemetery - the Cemetery that never was’ - Brian Parsons.

This ‘cemetery that never was’ has a strong link with Willesden for it was to be a new burial ground for the old Borough.

Oct. 21st ‘Christchurch, Brondesbury’ - Gwen Molloy.

Our Patron gets into harness again to talk about the history of the second Anglican church to be built in Willesden (after, of course, St.Mary’s.)

Nov. 18th ‘Eric Simms and the Bird life of Dollis Hill’ - Cathy Mercer.

Eric Simms, who died on 1/3/2009 aged 87, spent much of his life in Dollis Hill where he wrote several books on local birds. Cathy Mercer has researched his life as the basis for this talk.

Dec. 9th The WLHS Christmas Event. 7:30pm. (Advance booking required). More information later.

Dec. ??th Gladstone at St.Mary’s Willesden.

This event at St.Mary’s is yet to be confirmed.

Jan. 20th The January Meeting - details later.