Voysey, Sanderson and Chiswick
by Charles Lawrence
This article describes the relationship between Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857–1941), one of Britain’s greatest architects, and Sandersons, the celebrated wallpaper suppliers, in the west London suburb of Chiswick. The author knows the works by Voysey intimately because he was one of the partners responsibe for its recent restoration.
From Torpedo Boats to Taxis – when Thornycroft left Chiswick
by James Wisdom
It is still a surprise for many local people, strolling along the peaceful riverside near Chiswick Mall, to discover that 150 years ago it was the site of a large shipbuilding yard launching the fastest torpedo boats and destroyers in the world. Having studied the Thornycrofts’ businewss, the author written up his investigation into what happened when the yard closed, who moved onto the site, and how the area recovered from the shock of losing its long-established major industry.
The Turnham Green Station taxi rank
by D W Budworth
As the expert historian of Bedford Park, David Budworth is well placed to add an unexpected story to our local history! Using the digitised London Gazette and photographs from the early twentieth century, he has been able to compile the history of the taxi rank serving Turnham Green station which still operates.
Beating the Bounds in Brentford
by Celia Cotton
This article looks into the origins of ‘Beating the Bounds’, the custom of processing round the boundaries of a parish, checking the boundary markers and confirming the extent of the parish in the memories of its inhabitants. Details of this custom as it was played out in Brentford are described and illustrated. The author interest in Brentford stems from family connections and led to her developing the Brentford High Street Project website
Chiswick Vicarage in the Blitz: the wartime letters of Molly Rich
by Anthea Craigmyle
The author’s early years were spent as part of a large family in the rambling old vicarage overlooking the Thames. Based on an extract from a forthcoming book of letters written by Molly Rich, wife of the Vicar of St Nicholas Chiswick, during the Second World War. The letters are edited by Cynthia Penney and Molly’s daughter Anthea, who was aged six at the beginning of the war. This letter describes the major fire on Church Wharf in October 1940.
Brewing in Chiswick 1660-1845
by Val Bott
Brewing has long been significant in Chiswick’s economy and a “brewery quarter” became established near St Nicholas’ Church. Two significant breweries operated side by side until 1920 and one has survived until today. This is an account of the past owners, families and partnerships which gave these businesses such longevity. The research underpinned a small exhibition at Hogarth’s House after its refurbishment in 2011.
Obituary for Diana Willment (1936-2012)
