Have you heard of Cricklewood? This unassuming corner of London has witnessed a fascinating journey from a small country village to a bustling urban hub. Standing in the heart of Cricklewood, right where Edgware Road, also known as Cricklewood Broadway, cuts through, you can almost hear the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the whispers of Victorian times.
Cricklewood’s history is a tapestry woven with the threads of industrial might, artistic creativity, and cultural diversity. The area started as a tiny hamlet around the Roman road, Watling Street. For centuries, it served as a gateway to London. However, the arrival of the railway in the 1870s transformed Cricklewood, pulling it into the heart of urban life. Look around! You can see these remnants of this historical evolution around you.
As you wander down Cricklewood Broadway, you can picture the Victorian villas that once stood here, replaced by shops and businesses catering to this diverse community. The Crown Inn, built in the 1800s, served as a haven for coach travellers. Now, standing tall and proud, is the Clayton Crown Hotel, a reminder of the area’s rich past.
Cricklewood became a hub of industrial action. Factories like the Phoenix Telephone Company, Handley Page Aircraft Company, and Smith’s Crisps arose, creating a booming economy. The area also saw the rise of Cricklewood Studios, the largest film studio in the country during the silent era.
The area was famous for its innovative and experimental industries. The Stylophone handheld organ was invented and manufactured here, a musical creation that made quite a noise in the late 1960s.
Cricklewood is a place where history breathes, and where stories continue to unfold. Take a little time to explore its charming streets. You never know what hidden gems you might discover.