Category archives: History

Hammersmith Bridge is one of the most elegant on the Thames. It has also had a rather chequered history. The river crossing between Hammersmith and Barnes made history when, in October 1827, it became the site of one of the world’s earliest suspension bridges – and the first across the Thames.

The Dancing Platform at Cremorne Gardens by Phoebus Levin, 1862

The entrepreneurial vision of two brothers saw a product created and manufactured in Chiswick become a globally recognised brand

From a music hall attached to a King Street tavern to a Frank Matcham masterpiece, Hammersmith has a rich theatrical heritage

Chelsea Old Church: Chelsea’s Great Survivor

Chiswick W4: The Magic of the Movies – The Palais, the Electric, the Royal, the Commodore… Chiswick has a proud heritage of cinema-going dating back to the early 20th century

A unique opportunity to view Horace Walpole’s astonishing collection of arts, antiquities and curiosities as visitors to the gothic mansion would have seen them during his lifetime

Fulham Pottery: The Wheel of Fortune – In the seventeenth century John Dwight made Fulham synonymous with the design and manufacture of a new style of pottery

Through the stories of the Bishops of London, Fulham Palace chronicles over 1300 years of English history. Now local people can help preserve the buildings for future generations to enjoy

Remembering the magnificent Chiswick Empire, the High Road theatre that hosted the brightest stars of the entertainment world On Friday 6 September 1912 the Chiswick Times reported: ‘The Chiswick Empire was opened on Monday evening… The handsome building was gaily decorated with flags, festoons and flowers for the occasion. The…