A-Z of Kew and Brentford Places-People-History

Kew and Brentford are not so much separated by the River Thames as connected through it. The ford here was the first point on the tidal stretch of the great river that could easily be crossed on foot – meant many travelers have passed through down the centuries, perhaps the most famous being Julius Caesar. Kew has strong royal links and in 1759 Princess Augusta founded Kew Gardens, now known officially as the Royal Botanical Gardens. Today Kew is also famous for the National Archives. Kew and Brentford also have a rich industrial history, from pharmaceutical giants Beechams (and today GlaxoSmithKline) to aircraft manufacturers Sopwith and Handley Page and motor vehicle manufacturers Dodge and Chrysler.
In A-Z of Kew and Brentford, Andy Bull reveals the history behind these towns, their streets and buildings, industries and the people connected with them. Alongside the famous historical connections, are included some unusual characters, tucked away places and unique events that are less well-known. Readers will discover tales of painters drawn to this area, the manufacture of Brompton folding bicycles in a railway arch and a notorious Victorian murderer among many other fascinating facts in this A-Z tour of Kew and Brentford’s history. It is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in these historic West London towns.

Andy Bull is a freelance writer, having worked previously as a journalist and editor on newspapers and magazines and other media. He has been researching British pilgrimage routes for a number of years and has published two guidebooks: Pilgrim Pathways and London to Walsingham Camino. He is a trustee of the Confraternity of St James, works closely with the British Pilgrimage Trust, and leads regular pilgrimage walks and gives talks to church, historical and other groups. He has written several books on local history, mountain biking, travel and journalism and other topics.