Brentford's Historical Significance

Brentford was once one of the most important towns in Middlesex with its own market and fair. Its position on the main road leading to the west of England and at the junction of the Thames and the Grand Union Canal helped it to become a thriving industrial centre with breweries, soap works, tanneries, boat builders, a gasworks and a waterworks.

Industrial Development and Changes

In the 1930s Art Deco factories were built on the new Great West Road. Most of these have now been replaced and industry has largely departed from Brentford town centre. Old shops and houses have been demolished and more buildings are due to be replaced to transform Brentford into a modern riverside suburb.

The Book's Approach

Using old illustrations and modern photographs, this book attempts to convey something of the flavour of both the gritty old town that was Brentford and its present day counterpart.