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Willesden’s name derives from the Anglo-Saxon Willesdune which means “hill of the spring”. In the 11th century, the area was known as Wellesdone. Nineteen-century maps show the area as Wilsdon. Legend has it that a local holy well could cure blindness.
Actor Steve McFadden, the designer of the Grenadian national flag Anthony Conrad George, guitarist Ronny Jordan, singer Dennis Brown, and footballer Paul Merson lived in Harlesden. The wedding cake for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip’s wedding was baked at McVitie’s Factory.
Kensal Rise was considered the hippest street in Europe in 2009 by Vogue magazine. Singers Rita Ora, actress Thandie Newton, footballer Ian Wright, and author Zadie Smith are notable Kensal Green residents. King Henry VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Henry Chichele founded All Souls College in 1438.
Willesden is a northwest London district and part of the London Borough of Brent, located 8 km (5 miles) northwest of Charing cross. The area was previously a parish in Middlesex county until its incorporation in 1933 as the Municipal Borough of Willsden. Most of Willsden are in the postcode district NW10, with some parts in the postcode district NW2.
There are several London Underground and railway lines that pass through the area, stopping at local stations such as Willesden Junction station, Dollis Hill station and Willsden Green station. London Buses routes 6, 52, 98, 206, 226, 297, 302, 460 and N98 serve Willesden.
Notable people from the area are author and journalist J. Keighley Snowden, British rapper Doc Brown and Nobel Prize winner in Economics Ronald Coase. Willsden Dodgers, an 80’s breakdance group, was originally formed in Willesden, while a song by the Kinks is entitled Willsden Green.
