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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
Origins and Early History
Latimer Road takes its name from Edward Latymer, a philanthropist who, in the early 17th century, endowed land to fund Hammersmith’s Latymer School. This connection to education and charitable work marked the road’s earliest historical ties .
19th Century: The Arrival of the Railway and Urban Growth
The Metropolitan Railway arrived in the district in 1864, connecting the area to Hammersmith and beyond. Four years later, a station opened on Bramley Road at the junction with a branch line running south to Addison Road. As the area’s industrial character grew, former brickfields were replaced by cottage laundries and pigsties, earning the station the nickname “Piggery Junction” .
In 1880, the School Board for London built the three-storey Latimer Road School to provide education for local children. This building now houses the Ormiston Latimer Academy, an alternative provision school supporting vulnerable and challenging young people . Harrow School also contributed to the area’s development by establishing a mission in 1884 and a school in 1887 to serve the community.
In the 1960s, the construction of the Westway flyover and the West Cross Route to Shepherd’s Bush dramatically altered the area. This major infrastructure project severed Latimer Road from its station, and its southernmost section was renamed Freston Road .
The Republic of Frestonia
By the 1970s, plans by the Greater London Council (GLC) to demolish much of Freston Road for industrial use and high-density flats were met with resistance. In 1977, squatters occupied the houses and declared the “Republic of Frestonia.” This symbolic act of independence, inspired by the arts and activism, drew international attention. The GLC eventually abandoned its plans, granting the squatters temporary leave to stay .
The community’s activism led to the formation of the Bramley Housing Co-operative, which worked to develop housing on a more human scale. The first new homes were completed in 1985, marking a significant moment in community-led urban planning .
Today, Latimer Road’s rich history is reflected in its vibrant community and diverse architecture. From its philanthropic roots and railway heritage to its role in social activism, the area remains a testament to resilience and transformation.
See also
References
- "The London Underground station that's confusingly not where its name suggests". ThisIsLondon. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- "Latymer Foundation: History".
- "Kensington Historical Society: Piggery Junction".
- "Ormiston Trust: Latimer Academy".
- "Greater London Archive: Westway Construction".
- "British History Online: Republic of Frestonia".
- "Housing Co-operatives UK: Bramley Case Study".