Forum Topic

Think you know Brentford

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Kevin Farnan ● 5811d62 Comments

Just for a laugh as the nights are closing in, some Brentford 'landmarks' to be identified.No prizes for guessing correctly but keeps the forum going!Hope they load up ok!Number 1TwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEightNineGood Luck!

Kevin Farnan ● 5811d

Some of the sites are on the Southside of the High St one is inside the library.

Neil Chippendale ● 5811d

Is the National School sign on the building by the church that used to house the musical museum.I think this is a quite old building going back a couple of hundred years.

Keith Iddon ● 5811d

8 is on Brent Way just along from where Ridgeways Boatyard was/is.

Lydia Fowles ● 5811d

That blueish plaque is, I recall, at the top of the staircaseat Brentford Library..commemorating the fallen at the Boer War in South Africa. It's somewhat hidden from regular public  view.Great feat posting that column of pictures Kevin..and good to see more history on the Forum.

Jim Lawes ● 5811d

That National School plaque is on the side of the old building in The Ham..now used by the Teddies Playgroup...and not where Keith reckons next to the old Piano Museum  (mrs trimmer and all that)At The Ham..I recall a second plaque on that wall with an earlier date on it (1815). Historic little area there with the remains of "Brunel's railway viaduct over the Canal..en route to Brentford Dock. Instead of the area being beautifully kept with flower beds and pride..it's another location for Goddards Ugly Clutter. Mind you.it's tidier down there than it was..with...neglected skips,caravan, go ti bed Lawes!

Jim Lawes ● 5811d

I think the old post box is at Brentford rail station?

Jennifer Long ● 5810d

Yes, I couldn't where that was. It on the wall by the entrance.

Neil Chippendale ● 5810d

No 3 - is that a high water flood mark?

Jennifer Long ● 5810d

Jennifer wonders if this is a high water mark.. I was thinking that about No 7 (somewhere at Brentford Dock.Good questions aren't they...we're all going to learn from this thread!

Jim Lawes ● 5810d

1883 Brentford Local Board plaque? Umm!The Swimming Pool plaque has 1895 and Brentford Districty Council on it...and the Library didn't happen till 1904.Ah..the old Brentford Market opened around 1883..umm..head scratching begins!

Jim Lawes ● 5810d

Well done Neil & Jim, number 4 was quite an easy one (South Africa Memorial in the library).No 5 was indeed the post box at Brentford Station (Jennifer/Neil)Jim also got the old school plaque in The Ham (no 6)Lydia was correct with no 8 (Brent Way)No 3 is not a high tide mark Jennifer & Jim is also wrong thinking the same about no 7 but tidal is very relevant to it.So that still leaves nos 1,2,3,7 & 9, happy head scratching!!

Kevin Farnan ● 5810d

Is no.3 on the wall by the Waterman's Park?I know this is an old wall and was much bigger until most of it was demolished in the late 70's.No.1 Is that on the old school by the church(Musical msm.)or on the site of the church itself?I didn't know there was a lesbian sisterhood living there though!;-)

Keith Iddon ● 5810d

No to both of your questions Keith!

Kevin Farnan ● 5810d

Do I think this marker is used for when the tide is high enough to open the tidal lock?

George Knox ● 5810d

While I do not know its location, it looks like a boundary  stone?

George Knox ● 5810d

I meant No 2

George Knox ● 5810d

No. 7 is an Ordnance Survey benchmark with a value found on O.S.maps showing it's height above the Newlyn datum sea level.JL.

Jim Linwood ● 5810d

That's correct JL,but where in Brentford is it? I've been past it several times and have spent ages today  trying to remember where it is.My best guesses are, on the railway bridge in Lionel Rd South or somewhere in Windmill Rd.  Driving me nuts!

Tony Wood ● 5810d

Quite correct George, no 2 is in fact a boundary stone but where is it?Jim, well done, nice to see that somebody has an interest in the geography/topography of the country. AOD.So now we're left with 1, possibly 2, deffo 3 & 9 Good Luck!

Kevin Farnan ● 5810d

No. 1 is on the side of one of the artists studios on Johnsons Island, I don't think it applies to the occupant!

Steve Bullman ● 5809d

Well done Steve, only numbers  2,3 & 9 to go.

Kevin Farnan ● 5809d

On Boston Rd.on the path that leads to the canal through Boston Park?Come on Kevin,put us out of our misery!

Keith Iddon ● 5809d

Best thread I have seen for ages. Thanks for starting it.

George Knox ● 5809d

Keith, although there is one outside Boston Manor Park opposite The Ride, this is the only other one in Brentford that I know of.Jim was quite correct indentifying no 7 as an Ordnance Survey bench mark which I knew but the location was the question.So we still need nos 2,3,7 (location) & 9.

Kevin Farnan ● 5809d

The ex poo pumping station in Pump Alley,still struggling on No.7,I've seen it somewhere.

Tony Wood ● 5809d

Well done Tony, the other part of the memorial is below & will put Mr Lawes out of his misery!Still leaves 2,3 & the location of 7.

Kevin Farnan ● 5809d

Pump Alley?Now where's that?I thought I was a graduate of Brentford..I've paid the tuition fees!

Jim Lawes ● 5809d

Old Brentonian/ Brentfordian Thomas Layton died in 1911..I wonder if  the brick plaque is to do with him?(Agreed, funny sort of memorial stone!)

Jim Lawes ● 5809d

Pump Alley Jim is next to Heidelbergs opposite the County Court. The old Sewage Pumping Station is at the bottom of the road in what later was the local council yard.It's a great looking building which has recently been renovated to contain offices etc.Sadly the reference to 1911 has nothing to do with Thomas Layton, keep scratching!

Kevin Farnan ● 5809d

Thanks for that Kevin... see...you're educating us!I don't know that area you mentioned..which is just behind "Fat Boys Thai Restaurant". Interestingly those locations all fall within the Syon Ward..Looking forward to doing a walk around there.

Jim Lawes ● 5809d

These loctions would make a fantastic walk, perhaps Kevin and Janet Mc could team up for a historic walk with a visit to the Horse Guardsman to finish up. Sadly I'm not back till 2012.

Neil Chippendale ● 5809d

2 feet off the ground,under the bridge carrying Brent Way over The Ham.Don't ask!

Tony Wood ● 5808d

I won't Tony, well done for the dedication.Just leaves nos 2 & 3, come on Brentford!!

Kevin Farnan ● 5808d

I can't get the other two, I have half an idea that the boundary stone is by the Brent bridge on the south side of the road but I'm not certain.As for No.7,there's a nice old picture of two tank engines on the bridge (and others) at :- http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktor_web_studios/sets/72157622665003909/show/You may have seen them already,they took me back a bit,we used to slide down the brickwork having walked along the track to go fishing in the Thames.Thanks for your original posting,fascinating!

Tony Wood ● 5807d

KevinAll my years in Brentford I have never seen the boundary stone. Can't wait to hear from you where that stone is.

Neil Chippendale ● 5807d

Wonder if it's on the south side of the High Street near Pump Alley!(what technology..I'm on a H91 bus going down the Great West Road..using my phone..and my pensioners bus pass to get a free ride to Chiswick)!..and scratching my head!

Jim Lawes ● 5807d

You could be right, isn't the photo of the 'beating the bounds' taken in Pump Alley.

Neil Chippendale ● 5807d

It's not in Pump Alley Jim/Neil.

Kevin Farnan ● 5806d

C'mon Kevin.You've kept me in suspenders long enough..!;-0

Keith Iddon ● 5806d

On Saturday night 1am+ I was upstairs /front seat on a bus travelling from Chiswick via Kew Bridge to Isleworth.I had my eyes glued to the SOUTHSIDE pavement looking for the "Old Brentford" milestone..and didn't see it. There was one in Isleworth before the Station...and I did see the boarded up Waggon & Horses...so my guess it must be on the North side somewhere.Please don't divulge the answer yet..keep Keith waiting!

Jim Lawes ● 5805d

Any where near St Lawrence's Church?

Jennifer Long ● 5804d

Just to correct this part of the thread the stone is photo number two.It is not a milestone. It is a boundary stone and in old days there may have been a Beating the Bounds walk in Brentford. Perhaps there is a map of beating the Bounds in Brentford, but I have not found one. In Hanwell the bounds are still beaten.At the minute people seem to be stabbing in the dark and Keith you will be banned or hung upside down in accordance with tradition over a boundary stone if you you do not remain patient.Being a bit feeble in this cold weather I cannot be bothered to walk the course. My stab in the dark is to ask if the boundary stone is one of the three in the vicinity of Boston Manor tube. Who is not cold?

George Knox ● 5804d

George  You mention 3 near BM station, I only know the two mounted in the wall at BMP (both visible on Google St. map 200 yards apart)can you tell us where the other one is please?  My "stab in the dark" for various reasons is down the footpath that leads off of the Ham alongside the Brent,hopefully time or Kevin will tell.  A toasty 4degs in Scotland,and a good night for watching the meteor shower.

Tony Wood ● 5804d

George thanks for the correction it is indeed no 2 which we are talking about. Also your definition of what it is is also correct.Not sure about 3 being at Boston Manor Stn, the only other one that I knew about used to be just outside the entrance to Boston House/Boston Manor Park opposite The Ride.It's not at St Lawrences Church but Tony is getting warmer!Don't forget that no 3 is still up for grabs!

Kevin Farnan ● 5804d

Hi Kevin  There are two inset in BMP wall,the one you mention opposite the Ride and a bigger,nice looking one just before the end of the wall at Boston Gardens.  I don't think I'll get any warmer,I can tell it's probably near water,I had a look at your source file on Flickr and found another picture that shows what looks like a concrete flood defence wall abuting another wall that's constructed of engineering bricks (as was the benchmark one).  I think George should get dressed up and go mooching tomorrow.

Tony Wood ● 5804d

Is No.3 the Toll House?

Tony Wood ● 5804d

Too cold.For hardy intrepid types here are some clues for my stab in the dark about 3 stones. Keith, mind the Gallows.1)The loop in the river at the bottom of the weir is the old course of the Brent. The river was drastically straightened (see old map of Hanwell) when it became the canal. On this loop is the site of the original GALLOWS BRIDGE mentioned later. Continue down the towpath towards the motorway and tube line. Just before the motorway bridge There is a path to the left after The loop of the Brent rejoins the canal leading up through the trees. Turn left onto the pathway.2)The tube line is the southern boundary of the parish. THE GALLOWS where highwaymen and thieves were hung stood between Boston Manor Station and the motorway and would have been clearly visible from the river. Further down the canal is the "new" Gallows Bridge (built to allow the horses that towed the barges to cross the canal). After the footbridge, turn left and walk up the path to Southdown Avenue. Turn right into Southdown Avenue, left into Wellmeadow Road then right onto Boston Road. Cross the road at The pelican crossing by the station. Turn left and then first right into Cawdor Crescent3)THE GOSPEL OAK stood where Boston Manor Station now stands. ft is believed that when the parish of St Mary’s Church extended right down to Brentford, church services were held at the half-way point to save those from the south having to walk all the way to the church. Its decayed trunk was removed in 1929. Continue round Cawdor Crescent, turning right into Clitherow Avenue which crosses Hazlemere Avenue

George Knox ● 5804d

I take it you're retired George..;-)

Keith Iddon ● 5804d

Well done Tony, it is indeed the Toll Office at Brentford Gauging Lock. If you look on both sides of the building you'll find the same  'brick' which has the date of the initial build.

Kevin Farnan ● 5804d

Excellent engaging Topic Kevin and great thread.Thanks from us all..& well done Tony and other participants.

Jim Lawes ● 5801d

Does anyone else want Kevin to tell us where No.2 is? It'll spoil my Christmas big time if I don't find out soon,I reckon it's very close to water,Brent or Thames.

Tony Wood ● 5797d

Wait until Christmas Day Tony! I'me very suprised that Neil hasn't got it.Lets keep them all waiting!

Kevin Farnan ● 5797d

Huff, ****What "TIME" on Christmas day???**** While the Queens speech is on is fine by me.                                                        ;0)

Tony Wood ● 5796d

Please keep us waiting till after the QS!

Jim Lawes ● 5796d

(That "no" was an error..it was meant to be "No 2 is..."1897 was the 60th year of Queen Victoria's reign.. but the stone doesn't look as if it celebrates than. Tony's suggestion about being near "The Ham" was deemed to be warm.

Jim Lawes ● 5796d

I think it's on the canal towpath

Steve Bullman ● 5795d

Well done Steve, it is indeed on the tow path just to the right of the lock keepers houses at Thames Lock.I hazard a guess that it was the boundary marker between what then was St Pauls parish & St Lawrences before they amalgamated?That's put Tony out of his misery!

Kevin Farnan ● 5795d

It has indeed :0)...thanks and well done Steve!

Tony Wood ● 5795d

KevinWe look forward to the next series. Merry Christmas to all.

George Knox ● 5795d

Jim Lawes ● 5795d

Very well done Kevin.As the marker is near the Lock Keepers building it must be the boundary between New Brentford and Brentford End (Parish of Isleworth)

Neil Chippendale ● 5795d