Welcome to The History of Brentford which starts off with a Brentford timeline: a history that runs from prehistoric times to now, with all the key events in Brentford history, an index of events that was created by one of Brentford’s finest amateur historians, Janet McNamara, a Hounslow’s Heritage Guide.
From this timeline are links to existing articles on the internet that are about Brentford’s history as well as our own. Images past and present are available for use (under creative commons licence).
We’d like this to be a resource for anyone wishing to know more about Brentford’s past: the people, the buildings, the river; everything that has gone into making Brentford the community it is today.
Cat Berry has updated Janet’s list and history of buildings along with taking new photos, for the Brentford Community Council, which will appear on here.
Kath Richardson, former editor of BrentfordTW8.com created and developed this website.
Other occasional contributors are credited in article tags.
Thank you to @Brentfordian for many photos. Others to be thanked for their contributions include @djstevie_b, @algernonandon, @BrentfordHighSt, @Julian5News, @IanAshton01, @linsley, @brentfordjohnny, @LeesBees72
If you would like to know more about this project, or maybe you’d like to get involved, please leave a comment or email us at brentfordtw8@virginmedia.com.
The History of Brentford 
I am trying to find information about the Hudson Motor Company, a U.S. motor manufacturer which opened a factory in Brentford in 1925. Do you have any information about the Brentford operation or know where I might start looking?
Alan Faircloth
Alan, here are some notes that may be of interest:
The Hudson Essex Motor Company virtually began the industrial colonisation of the Great West Road, moving from Acton Vale to purpose-built premises sited between the New North Circular and the Great West Road, at Chiswick in the spring of 1926.
Essex Cars formed the lower-priced model range of the Hudson Motor Company of Detroit. Their success made Hudson the third largest motor manufacturer in America in 1929 and they proved popular in Britain as well.
In the late nineteen twenties the “Essex Six” offered buyers a range of bodies powered by an 18hp six cylinder engine. This two and a half side valve could be expected to return about 20-22mpg and a new car cost £250. So keenly were Essex Cars priced that brakes on the front wheels remained an optional extra, costing an additional £7, until 1928.
In 1932 the upright looking “Essex” cars were replaced by the air-smoothed “Terraplane” range which were sold for £300, making them comparable in price with the top of the range
Morris models. More successful in Britain than in America, the “Terraplane” was discontinued in 1937 and the Hudson name was transferred to the company’s range of smaller six-cylinder cars
The motor works provided facilities for the assembly of vehicles imported “completely knocked down”, as well as for servicing and selling new cars.
Alan, sorry I cannot help you with any information about the Hudson Motor Company, but I am very interested in your surname “Faircloth”. I have a 3 time great grandmother Jane Faircloth born 1805, who married my 3 time great grandfather William Woodman in 1825 in Ealing. Would your family have any connection to my Jane who was born in the Brentford area? I would be pleased to hear from you.
I have some queries that you may be able to help me with concerning James Templeton McGarrah of Old Brentford (died 1839), Colonel James Clitherow IV, the Royal Westminster Militia, Syon House, Kew Gardens and Kew Palace. Should I email those queries to you?
Please email queries to Local Studies at Chiswick Library (who are not affiliated with this website) who may be able to help you or direct you. localstudies@hounslow.gov.uk
The London Canal Museum (in relation to its research) wish to establish when gauging began and ended at Brentford.
Do any of your contributors know?
I’m trying to find information about Pump Alley around 1917-30. My grandmother grew up in a house on Pump Alley and I’m interested to find out if there is more information about what life was like round there in that period. Thanks, Nick