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

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.

Jan 21st ‘Willesden Images from Newspapers’ - Malcolm Barres-Baker

Malcolm Barres-Baker of the Brent Archive and Library Service returns to present another illustrated talk this time based on Willesden images from local newspapers. Since last year there have been a few changes to Museum and Archive staff. Perhaps we will get a chance to meet some of them.

Feb 18th ‘The New River’ – Jean Linwood.

We welcome member and ex-WLHS secretary Jean Linwood again, this time to talk about the New River. This man-made waterway opened in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water taken from the River Lee and springs and wells along its course. It is still in use.

Mar 18th ‘Migration to Willesden 1930s – 1950s’ – Verusca Calabria.
A rather unusual evening is planned when several speakers will talk about experiences of people from West Indian, Jewish and Irish backgrounds moving to live in Brent in the mid-20th century.

Apr. 15th ‘The Brent Cemeteries Service’ - Bob Langford.

Member Bob Langford is Head of Brent Cemetery & Mortuary Services. He is to speak on the latest changes to cemeteries in Willesden and plans for the future including restoration of the fine Civilian War Memorial in Willesden New Cemetery, and the redevelopment of the Old Cemetery.

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. Details to be announced in the next Journal.