Northolt - History

History

The settlement of Northolt is located in the ancient county of Middlesex and is mentioned in the Domesday Book as being held by Geoffrey de Mandeville, and archaeological evidence suggests that there was a Saxon village at the location from the 8th century onwards. The medieval village had its origins in the Saxon period and is recorded in the Domesday Book. Up to late Victorian times, the area was rural with predominantly arable crops being grown. A 14th century moated manor existed behind the present Court Farm Road and was excavated from 1950 onwards. A barn constructed in the area in 1595 can now be seen in the Chiltern Open Air Museum. In the early part of the 18th century farmland was enclosed in order to provide hay for the City of London, alongside more traditional crops such as peas and beans.

Suburban development began in the 1920s. Most of the housing north of the Western Avenue was built in the 1920s-1930s, and is in the private housing sector. Most of the housing built to the south of the Western Avenue was built in the 1960s-1970s, and is in the public/social housing sectors, particularly along the Kensington and Ruislip Roads.

Two important transport links run through Northolt: the Grand Union Canal and the modern A40 road.

In the 21st century, a new large private housing development was built on the former site of the Taylor Woodrow company, adjacent to the Grand Union Canal. This development is known as "Grand Union Village" and incorporates a new canal boat marina.

Local landmarks include St Mary the Virgin church and a clock tower erected to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The former old village centre survives. On viewing St Mary's church from the village green, one could believe that one was still in a rural village.