About Willesden Local History Society
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 (£15.00) 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.
WLHS is a corporate member of the following organisations –
Officers of the Willesden Local History Society
- Chair & Journal Editor: Irina Porter
- General Secretary: Margaret Pratt
- Treasurer & Membership Secretary:
Vacant – please get in touch if you can help! - Publicity Officer:
Vacant – please get in touch if you can help! - Committee members
History of the Willesden Local History Society
The Early Days of WLHS
Although the Society did not come into existence until 1974, the early seeds were sown when the splendid late Victorian Willesden Town Hall in Dyne Road was demolished. Attempts to save it were made by the late Cllr. Ivor Davies, aided by two or three who later came into the Society. But, despite Cllr. Davies being chairman of the Planning Department, the Council was determined to erect housing on the site and that is what happened.
Past Guided Walks and Visits
Over the years, members of WLHS have enjoyed the chance to discover more about Willesden, first hand, taking walks guided by local experts, and often joined along the way by interested passers-by! Despite distractions such as impatient cyclists on the Canal towpath, busy traffic on Kilburn Lane, or noisy lorries in Park Royal, guided walks are as popular as ever.
Willesden Local History Society Research
Wembley Matters Blog
Wembley Matters Blog published a series on the history of Church End and Chapel End in Willesden by Margaret Pratt in July 2020, and on the history of Kilburn by Irina Porter in October/November 2020. These are also available as pdfs from Brent Archives, along with many other local history articles
They can be accessed here –
Willesden Local History Society Campaigns
Willesden Green Library
The Victorian Library in the middle of Willesden High Road was built in 1894. It has proved to be one of the most poignant symbols of our heritage and subject to many battles with the local council.
In 1984 Brent Council proposed to demolish the old Willesden Green Library’s late Victorian façade. This decision was reversed after protest, joined by WLHS members.
Modern Willesden Green Library was built behind the remains of the existing one.
In 1988 the Council renewed its efforts to demolish the Victorian Willesden Green Library building. This was overturned after protest, once again joined by WLHS.
In 2012 WLHS joined the protest against the demolition of the 1894 Library building, as part of the redevelopment at Willesden Green Library.
Past Guided Walks and Visits
Over the years, members of WLHS have enjoyed the chance to discover more about Willesden, first hand, taking walks guided by local experts, and often joined along the way by interested passers-by! Despite distractions such as impatient cyclists on the Canal towpath, busy traffic on Kilburn Lane, or noisy lorries in Park Royal, guided walks are as popular as ever.
