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.

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

May 21st 'The Mayhew Homes - Then and Now.' - Sue Barrett.

The locally famous Mayhew Homes has ministered to sick animals at the organisation's premises just outside our boundary in Trenmar Gardens for a century or so. Sue Barrett will talk about the history of the home and its present day activities.

Jun 18th 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 5th Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery Open Day. Note that this is a Saturday. 11am to 5pm.

Do give this Open Day a try - it is fun!

July 16th Guided Tour of Gladstone Park and St.Catherine’s Neasden. - Robin Midwinter.

On this 1½ mile stroll we will see a small part of Gladstone Park, then walk to St.Catherine’s, Neasden, where Robin will talk about the church’s history. Meet at the Gladstone Park car park off Dollis Hill Lane to leave at 7:30pm sharp. The walk is more hilly than usual but we always go at an elegant pace. The 232 bus runs along Dollis Hill Lane and parking in the road is allowed.

Sept. 17th ‘Metropolitan Electric Locomotives and the people associated with them’ - Terry Lomas.

Many members will remember the impressive locos which sped past Neasden on the Met. at the head of elegant carriages. Each of the engines was named and tonight Terry Lomas gives the background to how and why these names were chosen.

Oct. 15th ‘Watling Street’ - Len Snow.

Len needs no introduction. He returns to speak about Watling Street (the Edgware Road or Kilburn High Road in our area) covering research he did for a yet-to-be-published book.

Nov. 19th ‘Gladstone Park and Dollis Hill House’ - Margaret Pratt and Cliff Wadsworth.

The history of House and Park are closely linked, so they are considered together. Research for the talk was carried out for the WLHS booklet ‘A Distant View of Gladstone Park and Dollis Hill House’ published in 2002.

Dec. 10th The WLHS Christmas Event. 7:30pm. (Advance booking required). More information later.