Mapesbury

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Mapesbury
Middlesex

Mapesbury Road, Mapesbury
Location
Grid reference: TQ193850
Location: 51°33’6"N, 0°16’50"W
Data
Post town: London
Postcode: NW2
Dialling code: 020
Local Government
Council: Brent
Parliamentary
constituency:
Brent Central

Mapesbury is a village which has became a barely distinguishable residential area in the north of Middlesex.

To the north is Dollis Hill and to the west Dudden Hill while in the south-west is Willesden Green and to the south Brondesbury Park.

The village received its name in the Middle Ages.

History

The area formed part of the parish and manor of Willesden, which was held by the Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral by the time of the Norman Conquest. The manor was divided into eight prebends, to support the various members of the chapter. Of one of these the prebed from 1173 to around 1192 was Walter Map, and the prebend, encompassing this village, became known as "Mapesbury" after him.[1] Willesden Lane was known as 'Mapes Lane' until the 1860s.[2]

Mapesbury remained countryside until the 1860s, when residential development began. By 1875 there were a number of large suburban villas.[3] Four years later the Metropolitan Railway opened its line in the area, and building lots were let for "first class residences".[4]

Mapesbury Farm was leased to builders in 1893, and Mapesbury Road constructed in the following year.[4] The main development took place between 1895 and 1905, consisting of brick-built houses with extensive tree planting. In 1982 Mapesbury was designated a conservation area.

References

  1. A History of the County of Middlesex - Volume 7 pp 208-216: Willesden: Manors (Victoria County History)
  2. A History of the County of Middlesex - Volume 7 pp 177-182: Willesden: Communications (Victoria County History)
  3. "Brondesbury and Mapesbury areas". Brent Heritage. 2002. http://www.brent-heritage.co.uk/brondesbury.htm. Retrieved 15 May 2010. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 A History of the County of Middlesex - Volume 7 pp 182-204: Willesden: Settlement and growth (Victoria County History)