History of Great West Road Published to Mark 100 Years
James Marshall's book updated ahead of centenary celebrations
The cover of The Great West Road: A Centenary History
December 8, 2024
A new edition of a local historian’s book on the Great West Road is to be released to mark its centenary.
This new road, known at first as the Brentford by-pass, was opened by King George V in May 1925. For two miles, from its junction with the North Circular Road and Chiswick High Road to Gillette Corner, a corridor of inter-war factory buildings emerged, a stylish celebration of art deco architecture. The arrival of the road was the catalyst for the transformation of rural south-west Middlesex, with its small towns and villages, fields, orchards and market gardens, into new suburbs.
The Great West Road: A Centenary History by James Marshall was originally published in 1995. This new version has been expanded to 192 pages and the history updated. Packed with illustrations, including some specially commissioned new photographs, it tells the story of the road, from the earliest discussions about whether it should be built at all, right up to the present day.
There is plentiful detail about the architects who created the buildings which lined it and the businesses they housed. And it discusses the impact of the road on the area over the last century, with new employment opportunities and new housing developments. For everyone who grew up on its doorstep, or whose families worked in one of the factories, it offers a nostalgic trip into the past.
James Marshall first published a history of the road, when he was a member of the Local History team at Hounslow Council's Library Service. His 32-year career caring for these collections has given him an unrivalled knowledge of this part of West London which has informed this definitive history. The very readable text shows his real affection for the place.
This joint project between the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society and the Hounslow & District History Society has been supported by these sponsors: Fulham Archaeological Research Group, Creative Enterprise West / Hounslow Council, Hadley Property Group, JCDecaux, the Vinyl Factory and 180 Studios.
The book costs £25 and can be ordered here.
Hounslow Council has announced a "Golden Mile 100" project, and there is proposal from West London Chambers to invite King Charles III to a celebration.
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