Secret Kew & Brentford

The London district of Kew is best-known for its World Heritage Site of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kew Palace. It lies directly across the River Thames from the town of Brentford, which has origins pre-dating the Roman occupation and the founding of the capital. In this book Ruth Mansergh uncovers the hidden facts, intriguing episodes and lesser-known aspects of both areas' rich heritage. The National Archives at Kew is the home of the Domesday Book and, delving much further back in history, it is thought that Julius Caesar may have forded the Thames here in 54 BC. At the Battle of Brentford in 1016, Edmund Ironside pursued the Danes - led by Cnut - across the Thames where Kew Bridge now stands. Different chapters highlight subjects including crime, military events, royal connections, transport, property, and unusual stories from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Among the lost industries and unexpected finds featured is the American firm of Chrysler Motors, which set up a factory just off Mortlake Road in the early 1920s. After the Second World War, the factory focused on lorry manufacturing and the vehicles produced here were known as the Dodge Kew. Illustrated throughout, 'Secret Kew & Brentford' will appeal to residents and all who are interested in the history of this part of London.