Featuring the tornado of 1954, Field Marshall Montgomery & Bargemen of Brentford
The newly published Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society Journal is now available. Edited by Gill Clegg and designed by Rodney Walshaw, it is beautifully presented with a full colour cover.
A new interpretation of Chiswick House, the lives of two famous Chiswick residents and Brentford’s industrial importance on two waterways all feature amongst the articles which will delight readers.
This is the last Journal to be edited by Gill Clegg, who is stepping down from the position she has held since 1996. In recognition of her work on the Journal the Society recently awarded her honorary life membership. Carolyn Hammond, who was formerly the local studies librarian at Chiswick, is taking on the role of Editor.
Articles in this issue:
Chiswick House – a Masonic Temple? The 3rd Earl of Burlington left no record of his intentions in building Chiswick House. Its décor does not conform to the conventional rules of 18th century interior design. Ricky Pound, English Heritage site supervisor for Chiswick House, describes the Masonic symbols which suggest that the house might have been created as a Masonic temple.
Field Marshall Lord Montgomery recounts the life and times of the war hero who lived in Chiswick as a child, married here and was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Brentford & Chiswick.
Joseph Michael Gandy most famous as draughtsman for Sir John Soane but also an accomplished artist in his own right was a Chiswick resident between 1833 and 1838.
The Bargemen of Brentford examines the changing fortunes of seven Brentford families who manned the barges transporting goods up and down the river.
E C Jones & Son, Brentford Boatbuilder tells the story of the Brentford firm which invented the innovative Bantam Tug which pushed as well as pulled barges.
Just Like the Blitz – the West London Tornado describes the damage wreaked by the tornado of 1954 from the author’s personal experience.
Gunnersbury in 1816 an account, by no less a person than John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States, of a cricket match held at Gunnersbury Park
Local Trade Tokens lists the Brentford and Chiswick tokens issued by local traders in the 17th century when small change was in short supply.
Dukes Meadows – the threats to its Rural Survival details the various proposed incursions – large housing estate, power station, electricity works – onto this green open space. Thankfully they were all fended off.
Journal No 16 costs £5. It is now on sale at the Brentford and Chiswick Libraries, or by post from Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society, 25 Hartington Road, London W4 3TL (please add 75p for postage and packing).
Please note: Society members receive a copy of the Journal each year as part of their subscription. If you wish to become a member, please come along to one of the meetings advertised on this site or send a cheque for £9.00 made payable to Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society to Membership Secretary, 12 Brook Road South, Brentford TW8 0NN. Please enclose your name, address and phone number.
June 21, 2007
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