Large Number Of Period Homes In Chiswick Lie Within Local Borough's Conservation Areas



by Jason Latham


Chiswick, which is on the Middlesex bank of the Thames in West London, lies within the boundaries of the London Borough of Hounslow. Historically this was a farming and fishing community, but when London's population grew during the 18th and 19th centuries it became a suburb for the well-to-do, and many fine houses were built there. Many of the historic homes in Chiswick have been included in the conservation areas which are designated by the local council. Bedford Park, which was London's first-ever garden suburb, is also near to Chiswick, although the greatest part of the Bedford Park conservation area is within the borough of Ealing.

The first developments in Chiswick were around the church (St. Nicholas). Fishing and farming were both important, and there was an annual cheese fair at Dukes Meadow. As the country became more industrialized and more heavily populated, the fish stocks in the river were affected by pollution, and by the introduction of locks which prevented species such as salmon from reaching their spawning grounds.

One of the oldest businesses in Chiswick is brewing beer. The Griffin Brewery, founded more than 350 years, is still operating. In 1845 the partnership Fuller, Smith and Turner acquired this site. Members of these founding families still work for the company today, and three of their products (London Pride, ESB and Chiswick Bitter) are past winners of the Champion Beer of Britain.

Many of the houses in Chiswick were built during the Georgian and Victorian periods. Chiswick was becoming a suburb for the well-to-do, who could commute into central London from here every day. The area's suburban housing stock includes many fine properties with original features such as sash windows, and intricate plaster mouldings.

Many of the architecturally more interesting homes in Chiswick are included within the London Borough of Hounslow's designated conservation areas. Also near to Chiswick, although mainly falling inside the London Borough of Ealing, is the Bedford Park conservation area. Bedford Park was the first ever garden suburb, built at the end of the 19th century.

As with all conservation areas in England, the precise restrictions on building are determined by the local authority, rather than being laid down nationally. Typically the rules may differ between boroughs, depending on what each authority feels is important for the character of its own area with special historic and architectural importance.

For example in some conservation areas home owners may not be allowed to break the roof line of the buildings (e. G. With loft extensions), while in other areas completely different restrictions may apply. In general developments which retain original features, such as sash windows, are more likely to be approved by local councils.




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