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St Margarets & Isleworth
Isleworth is a family friendly west London suburb where the streets are lined with beautiful period terraced houses. Wandering through the neighbourhood, it quickly becomes clear that residents love being a part of this active community. On their days off, locals can be found attending a community event at Isleworth Public Hall, a meeting at The Bridgelink Centre, or a lecture at Isleworth Library. After any gathering, most residents like to gather for a snack at Greedies, or for a round of pints at The Victoria Tavern. While the area might be rather quiet on the whole, it’s easy to see why residents feel so at home in the neighbourhood.
Back in the 13th century, Isleworth was a small village on a manorial estate. The area began to grow into a wealthy residential neighbourhood throughout the 1600s. These wealthy homeowners helped grow the village throughout the 17th century, allowing for the building of public houses and smaller terraced houses. Once the railway arrived nearby in the mid -19th century, the area drew in even more residents, many of whom helped encourage the development of market gardens. Around this time, many factories and businesses began to pop up - including the factory which produced Pears soap for 100 years. Once the Great West Road arrived in the 1920s, more modest homes continued to be built. Unfortunately, many buildings were damaged during the Second World War, leading to massive rebuilding by the council. Today, the town doesn’t look quite as quaint as it once did - but it still does have a much-loved small village feel.
A few years ago, a local resident discovered a hidden war bomb shelter in his backyard. While doing work on his garden, he accidentally uncovered the shelter when digging up a concrete fountain. After revealing a hole, they found a ladder that led down into a large room.
Unfortunately, there’s no rail station in this part of the neighbourhood. Still, residents find it easy enough to take any of the many bus lines, and don’t mind the short walk to the nearby Syon Lane or Isleworth stations.
The Berkeley Group recently completed Fitzroy Gate, a new development that brings to the neighbourhood large four- and five-bedroom homes. The units sit within the gated estate of a Grade-II listed Manor House, Isleworth House, whichh has been restored. The house’s historic stable block, chapel, orangery and grounds have also been returned to their former glory. The site itself is 7 acres, and sits just along the Thames.