Cricklewood: Railway History and Historic Architecture

Cricklewood between Railway History and Architecture

Cricklewood showcases its transport and local history in several specific places: at the railway station, along Cricklewood Broadway, in historic buildings and at locations associated with early aviation.

Railway Art and the History of the Area

At Cricklewood railway station, various forms of remembrance are immediately at the centre of attention. The panels on the history of Cricklewood are displayed on glass panes in the passenger waiting area of Platform 1. There is also an Amy Johnson mural on the platform wall. On the way to the platforms, you will see a pictorial representation of Handley Page biplanes created by Cricklewood-based artist Alistair Lambert.

Another work is specifically dedicated to the development of the railway station and its surroundings. Created by Freddie Needle, the artwork on the station's history is a 9 × 6-metre montage of paintings, prints and photographs. It depicts the history of Cricklewood since the railway arrived in the 1860s, as well as its subsequent impact on the area. At the same station, you will therefore encounter different perspectives: the general history of the area, a mural, depictions of historic aircraft and a large-format montage.

The Crown and Historic Buildings

The Crown stands on Cricklewood Broadway, a Victorian building clad in terracotta and listed at Grade II. The building was rebuilt in 1899 by the architects Shoebridge & Rising. Its history goes back even further: as early as the 1750s, the Crown provided accommodation on Watling Street for travellers using the stagecoach to and from London. Watling Street was a Roman road to St Albans, through North Wales to the Irish Sea. This history of accommodation is explicitly part of the building's historical development.

St Agnes also adds to Cricklewood's architectural character. The present building was constructed in 1930 to designs by T. H. B. Scott. It features a restrained Romanesque design executed in 1930, typical of T. H. B. Scott's church designs, as well as an impressive, austere brick interior. Those interested in architectural history will therefore find a different focus here than at the railway station or the Crown.

Aviation History and Spatial Orientation

Cricklewood Aerodrome is another part of this historical diversity. From 1919 to 1926, it offered commercial flights to Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Bournemouth.

A specific connection in the public space is also documented: steps allow pedestrians to access the northern part of Gratton Terrace from Cricklewood Broadway. For orientation in Cricklewood, this records at least a named access route between these two points. A Blue Plaque at Vernon Court also commemorates the fact that Amy Johnson once lived there.

Other London Destinations

If you would like to expand your selection of London destinations beyond Cricklewood, you can also visit Thornton Heath, Finsbury, Southall, Harefield, Westminster, Sutton, Fulham or Harrow On The Hill.