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 2012

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 a short event about Willesden.)

Please come along to support your management team - it really is quite enjoyable!

July 7th Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery Open Day. Note that this is a Saturday 11am - 5pm.

If you have not tried this event you have missed a fun day!

Sep. 16th Queens Park Open Day. Note that this is a Sunday 11am - 4pm.

The WLHS Bookstall will be there!

Sep. 19th ‘My Neasden of the 1950’s’ - David Unwin.

Member Dave Unwin has lived in Neasden for all his 70 years. He will describe the area and characters of his childhood, and relate what he was told by others.

Oct. 17th ‘The Willesden Chronicle and the Kilburn Times’. - Martin Percival.

Many of Martin’s ancestors worked for these local papers. He will talk about the history of the newspapers from 1868 to the present.

Nov. 21st ‘More Willesden Street Names’ - Roger Cook, et al.

Our President, Len Snow, gave talk on this subject in March. It was obvious at the end of the presentation that several attendees had not had time to contribute, so this evening they will have their chance. Roger, our chairman, will contribute and introduce the other speakers.

Dec. 12th The WLHS Christmas Event.

Advanced booking required. More information later.