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 2011

Nov. 16th 'Ken Valentine & Pillar Boxes' - Margaret Pratt.
Ken was probably the best Willesden researcher since F.A.Wood in the 19th century. Those of us who knew him in his old age would possibly be surprised at his varied earlier life. One of the projects he took on when a WLHS member was to study Willesden pillar boxes.

Dec. 14th The WLHS Christmas Event. A social evening and quiz for WLHS members. 7:30pm at usual venue

Jan. 18th ‘More Willesden Images.’ - Malcolm Barres-Baker.

Malcolm, who has become our regular January speaker, visits us again to share more images from the Archive and to supply supporting information.

Feb. 15th ‘Whodunit? A Kilburn Murder.’ - Dick Weindling

Following his 2010 presentation, historian, author, and WLHS member, Dick Weindling returns to tell another tale of Kilburn past.

Mar. 21st ‘ Brent Street Names’ - Len Snow.

‘Brent Street Names’ was published in 1975 by the Brent Library Service and covers the origins of many but by no means all of our street names. Len, our President, will talk about some he has researched and then lead an ‘audience participation’ section.

Apr. 18th ‘Willesden Schools’ - Elsie Points J.P.

Elsie Points, who was headmistress at St. Mary’s School for many years, presented a talk on the early days of education in Willesden in 1998. She is to revisit the subject with new information.

May 16th ‘ London Olympics - Not 2012!’ - Cliff Wadsworth.

This year will mark the third time that London has seen the Olympic Games. Previously we had the 1908 event at White City and the 1948 games at Wembley. This talk will not focus on sport but will try to give the flavour of these events with a Brent bias.

June 20th Annual General Meeting (and, if time permits, a short event about Willesden.)

July 18th ‘The Summer Tour’. Details later.