This walk will reveal how a quiet hamlet from the medieval period has evolved into the multicultural and diverse area of the present times.
This walk will highlight the history of Bayswater which is interesting in many aspects. Situated on the outer area of the City of Westminster, its legacy illustrates the emergence and continuity of this cosmopolitan area.
Originally a tiny hamlet dating back to the 1380s, it wasn’t until the mid 1800s that Bayswater truly developed into an affluent place. During this period, huge housebuilding projects came into effect, transforming the area, and attracting the upper classes to its leafy avenues lined with elegant villas and terraces. The epoque became known as the Victorian Idyll as it reflected a certain way of life. By the late 1800s, Bayswater became multicultural as different communities settled in the district for various reasons. The Jewish community for example, found refuge in Bayswater after fleeing persecution in Europe and soon made this part of London their home.
This walk will include various stops such as the timely built Whiteleys store, London’s first great luxurious shopping emporium established by William Whiteley in the 1860s. We will also stop at the famous iconic Grade 2 listed landmark, Porchester Hall, the city’s first spa dating back to the 1920s. The Hall is built on the site of the eighteenth century architect, Issac Ware’s home, named Westbourne House. Another example of this cosmopolitan area is the New West End Synagogue dating back to the late 1870, and known as one of the oldest synagogues in London. This grade 1 listed building was the creation of the architect George Audley. He also designed the world’s largest pipe organ in 1904 for the St. Louis Exposition in America. The walk will also include the St. Sophia Cathedral built in 1877 serving the Greek merchant community who settled in Bayswater after fleeing Europe.
In addition to the above examples, this walk will reveal various fascinating details of Bayswater, both past and present.
This walk is led by a qualified City of Westminster guide, Fazilet. Meet Fazilet by the main entrance of Bayswater Underground Station, Queensway, London W2 4RH
This free walk is part of the “Inside Out” programme of walks, kindly supported by Westminster Council.
After the walk we would be very grateful if you could you complete a short survey, with questions about the walk. Thank you.
