Community - St. John's Wood History Group

The Group was formed, in 2007, by a few people who felt that St John’s Wood’s fascinating past should be researched, and recorded. There are many well known people who have lived in the area, and many more who have had absorbing lives yet to be uncovered. 

Then there are the changes that have taken place in the area over the years. With research, we can add to the information that already exists and encourage residents, past and present, to take an interest.

The St John’s Wood Society has been very helpful in many ways, and we remain affiliated to them.

From the beginning, we have received much support from the Westminster Archives and we now have a place under their Community Sites umbrella, our own website www.stjohnswoodmemories.org.uk. This means that original work can be uploaded on to the site, enjoyed and commented on by everyone.

Members of the History Group may choose to look into the history of their own home, or street, and they may work in pairs, or in groups. Residents in Clifton Hill and Hamilton Terrace have uncovered much about their roads, and the characters who once lived there, by the use old maps, photos, directories from the Archives, and the census details from 1851 onwards.

Others record and interview individuals about their memories of St John’s Wood through the years. Edited extracts go on to the website, and include personal memories and anecdotes, as well as documenting attitudes to the larger changes which have taken place here since the war.

Projects, which individuals have chosen, include a detailed examination of the High Street shops, then and now.  Most of the coal hole covers in the area have been recorded, too

Anyone wishing to contribute to a research project would be most welcome to join the History Group. No experience is necessary. Comments and questions are always welcome. 

Please get in touch with us by email: janeleaver@cgardens.co.uk or write to The St John’s Wood Society (History Group), PO Box 20586, London NW8 0ZU.

To check the date for the next meeting please go to: www.stjohnswoodmemories.org.uk

Date and time will be posted in the news bulletin on the website.

Why not come along to our next meeting?