The Knowledge

Willesden

Welcome to Willesden. This NW10 neighbourhood covers a vast area of North-West London including a small part of NW2. It spans Harlesden, Church End, Stonebridge Park and Royal Oak, as well as parts of Dollis Hill, Kensal Green and Neasden. Willesden, which is in Brent, has been significantly shaped by patterns of migration making it one of the most ethnically diverse parts of the UK and with a rich mix of cultural influences.

Houses tend to be larger in Willesden Green than in Willesden, and generally the closer you are to Willesden Green Station the more in demand the properties are. The Mapesbury Estate however is the exception to the rule which boasts large homes and take on the West Hampstead overspill. Properties range from stylish Victorian conversions, and 4 bed houses to the less conventional converted old baptist church into flats.

Popular attractions here include the famous Neasden Temple - The beautiful Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Made from Italian limestone and marble, it was crafted in India before arriving in Neasden - over 1000 volunteers helped create it.

Willesden is also close to other attractions such as the Wembley Stadium. Willesden is well connected in terms of transport by rail, road and bus. A large bus garage built in 1902 and thus many bus routes start or run through the town. The area also enjoys easy access to the A5, A406 and MI.


Interesting facts:
The name Willesden derives from the anglo-saxon Willesdune, meaning The Hill of the Spring, and a settlement bearing this name dates back to 939 AD. The Doomsday Book of 1086 records it as Wellesdone. The town's motto is Laborare est orare.

Zadie's Smith's novel 'White Teeth' was based around Willesden.
Jonathan Creek was often filmed here.
Willesden also features in a song by The Kinks which is included in the soundtrack of the 1971 film 'Percy.'

  • Map of area: Willesden
  • Postcode: NW10
  • Population: 12,714
  • Average age: 33.79
  • Average house price: £397,039
  • Local authority: Brent
  • Within the congestion zone: No
  • Train/tube: Willesden Green, Harlesden, Neasden, Willesden Junction (British Rail)
  • Bus routes: 6, 52, 98, 206, 220, 260, 266, 302, 460, N52, N98
  • Banks: 5
  • Cinemas: 1
  • Doctors: 8
  • Dentists: 13
  • Leisure facilities: 2
  • Libraries: 4
  • Supermarkets: 3
  • Theatres: 0
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