West Hampstead's local history

‘West Hampstead’ is a relatively recent name – for much of its life this area was known as the village of West End. While Hampstead and Belsize experienced growth spurts in the 18th century, as they serviced the wealthy and fashionable visitors on their weekend retreats, West End was quite happy to stay isolated from any and all of its neighbours. In fact, it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that the population breached the 500 mark, but it was allegedly still so tranquil that it was possible to hear the chimes of Big Ben.

However, industry inevitably arrived, agriculture receded, and the village grew and changed and became West Hampstead. The biggest shock to the area was the coming of the railways. Being on a strategic route to London, four separate railway lines quickly appeared in the 19th century, criss-crossing the community. This is still evident today, with no fewer than four mainline/tube stations concentrated in the one relatively small area.

Figures from the Arts seem to have found West Hampstead attractive, and distinguished residents have included Evelyn Waugh, Thomas Hardy, A. A. Milne, George Orwell, T. S. Eliot and H. G. Wells. More recently, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson, Doris Lessing, Burt Kwouk and Rachel Stevens have all been sighted in the area.

The 20th century history of West Hampstead would be a familiar story to many Londoners. Bombed in WWII – the railways being a particular target – it experienced rebuilding and regeneration in the post-war years, including high-rise developments of varying levels of aesthetic appeal. Some of these have endured, others have not. Nevertheless, West Hampstead gained in popularity as a residential area towards the end of the 19th Century, with excellent transport links, a community atmosphere and good shops and facilities making it attractive to a young intake of buyers and renters. This popularity continues into the new millennium, making it one of the best places to rent or get on the property ladder in North West London.