Hampstead

History

Although early records of Hampstead can be found in a grant by King Ethelred the Unready to the monastery of St. Peter?s at Westminster (AD 986) and it is referred to in the Domesday Book (1086), the history of Hampstead is generally traced back to the 17th century.

Related Topics:
Ethelred the Unready - 986 - Domesday Book - 1086

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Trustees of the Well started advertising the medicinal qualities of the chalybeate waters (water impregnated with iron) in 1700. Although Hampstead Wells was initially successful, its popularity declined in the 1800s due to competition with other London spas. The spa was demolished in 1882, although a water fountain was left behind.

Related Topics:
1700 - 1882

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Hampstead started to expand following the opening of the North London Railway in the 1860s (now the North London Line operated by Silverlink), and expanded further after the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway opened in 1907 (now part of the Northern Line) and provided fast travel to central London.

Related Topics:
North London Railway - 1860s - North London Line - Silverlink - Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway - 1907 - Northern Line - London

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Much luxurious housing was created during the 1870s and 1880s, in the area that is now the political ward of Fitzjohns & Frognal. Much of this housing remains to this day.

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During the 1900s, a number of notable buildings were created. These include:

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• Hampstead tube station (1907)
• Hampstead Theatre (1962)
• Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (1964)
• Swiss Cottage Central Library (1964)
• Royal Free Hospital (1974)

Of these, the Hampstead Theatre relocated in 2003 (increasing capacity from 140 to 325 seats) and the leisure centre was closed for rebuilding in 2003.

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Though now considered an integral part of London, Hampstead has retained much of its village charm.

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