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Revision as of 16:18, 4 January 2025 by Lordb (talk | contribs) (→See also)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Latimer Road, located in the W10 postcode of West London, is a vibrant and well-connected area within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Ideally situated between some of London’s most sought-after neighborhoods, it offers a mix of residential housing, commercial spaces, and access to a wealth of local amenities.
Just a short walk from Portobello Road, residents and visitors can enjoy its bustling market, eclectic shops, and trendy cafes. To the west lies White City, home to the iconic Television Centre, upscale dining at the White City House, and the expansive Westfield London, one of Europe’s largest shopping destinations. Nearby Shepherd’s Bush adds to the appeal with its vibrant cultural scene, theaters, and live music venues.
Latimer Road combines the charm of a residential enclave with proximity to dynamic hubs, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a mix of tranquility and urban convenience. With excellent transport links, including Latimer Road Underground Station on the Hammersmith & City and Circle line, the area provides quick access to central London and beyond, while its closeness to green spaces like Little Wormwood Scrubs offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.
History
Latimer Road takes its name from Edward Latymer, who also has a nearby private school named after him. The area transformed with the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway in 1864, with a station opening in 1868 at the junction with Bramley Road. The station earned the nickname "Piggery Junction" as pigsties and cottage laundries replaced the old brickfields.
The area’s poverty attracted help from both public and charitable groups. In 1880, the London School Board built Latimer Road School, now Ormiston Latimer Academy, which supports vulnerable students. Harrow School also opened a mission and a school in the 1880s. However, the area’s struggles persisted, as noted in 1915 by writer Horace Newte, who described Latimer Road as part of a declining district overshadowed by poverty.
In the 1960s, the construction of the Westway and West Cross Route severed Latimer Road’s connection to its station, and the southern end was renamed Freston Road. Plans to replace much of the area with industrial buildings and high-density flats in the 1970s were halted when squatters declared the "Republic of Frestonia" in 1977. Their activism led to the creation of the Bramley Housing Co-operative, which built new homes on a more human scale, completed in 1985.
Today, Latimer Road’s rich history and resilience are reflected in its character, balancing modern development with its storied past.
See also
References
- "The London Underground station that's confusingly not where its name suggests". ThisIsLondon. Retrieved 4 January 2020.