Hammersmith:
stories of music, art & innovation

Did you know?
The 18th century Dove Pub
has the smallest bar in England.

During the 17th and 18th centuries Hammersmith was a small rural village used as a summer retreat for the gentry and city merchants. When the railway arrived in 1864, industry developed and grew. For example, breweries, motor works, water pumping, bakeries and boat-houses. A channel called The Creek allowed goods to be transported quickly from the Thames riverside to King Street.
 
By the late 19th century Hammersmith had become a well-established town with civic, religious and educational buildings. Large social housing estates were constructed from 1900. The construction of the Great West Road in 1920-25 separated the north-south links from King Street to the river.
 
Bombing in 1940-1941 caused much damage and redevelopment afterwards. 
Hammersmith continues to redevelop with new residential and office blocks clustered around the gyratory.

Hammersmith Bridge, 1824 was the first suspension bridge to be built over the River Thames.

We meet at Kensington Olympia Station

We introduce ourselves over coffee before we begin the walk

On the walk we see:

• Where Joseph Lyons pioneered mass catering in Britain, 1894.
  
• Blythe House, original HQ of the Post Office Savings Bank, 1899.
  
• Silver Studio, one of the most influential textile design studios between 1880-1950.
• Hammersmith Palais,1919, the largest and most luxurious establishment of its kind in Europe.
  
• Hammersmith Apollo, one of the best preserved cinema 1932.
  
• St Paul's Church, 1887
• Lyric Theatre
• William Morris site of printing press (now museum), 1891
• Island Records, one of the largest independent record labels in history.

... and much more!

Did you know?
Cadby Hall, site of Lyons Teashops factory,
was the location of the first ever business
computer (LEO, Lyons Electronic Office),
developed 1949-51 to automate clerical tasks.

Built 1884 by Alfred Waterhouse (well-known architect of the Natural History Museum), to house St Paul’s school.

River Thames, Hammersmith

Did you know?
St Paul's Church was one of the last where heart burials took place. Some people chose to have their body and heart buried separately. It was an ancient practice linked to the soul.
.

St Paul's Church, 1887

Go over the new vocabulary at the end.


At the end, relax over a tea and go over the new vocabulary together. Ask your teacher any questions.

Early 18th century pub. The Dove Pub has the smalled bar in England.

Brook Green

William Morris stained glass

History notes will be given at the end.

St Peter's Church, 1780

Don't forget the vocabulary!

After your walk, find the new vocabulary here ...

Hammersmith Apollo, 1932

Did you know?
During the 18th & 19th centuries,
the area was known for market gardening. Many new plants were introduced to the UK, including
roses and fuchias.

The Greek Runner, by Sir William Blake Richmond, 1926 in St Peter's Square.