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 2010

June 16th 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 21st Guided Tour of St.Mary’s Churchyard - Cliff Wadsworth.

A lot of work has been done on St.Mary’s churchyard recently. We will have a tour of the works and some of the more interesting tombs will be pointed out. We hope that the church and bell ringing chamber will also be open. There will be no formal talk on these. Meet at the Church porch to leave at 7:30pm sharp.

Sept. 15th ‘A Cultural History of South Kilburn 1910 - 2010’ - Tina Ramdeen.

Tina is going to show the film made by Kilburn Kultures last year to which some of our members contributed. She will be bringing along some of the youngsters from Granville Plus Youth Arts who worked hard on the project.

Oct. 20th ‘Neasden’ - Len Snow.

Our President of course needs no introduction. He returns to talk about the history of Neasden and some of its people.

Nov. 17th ‘The Beeson Family of Harlesden’ - Margaret Pratt.

For over a century the name of Beeson was well known in Harlesden being associated with the Wesleyan Church, the Fire Brigade, and their shops in the High Street and the Croft. Margaret recalls some of their activities particularly those of the local historian Amos Beeson.

Dec. 15th The WLHS Christmas Event. 7:30pm. (Advance booking required). More information later.

Jan. 19th The January Meeting - details later.