History of Kilburn and West Hampstead

The Queen’s Arms Back in the nineteenth century, the Queen’s Arms was the first public house a traveller encountered on the Edgware Road before entering the village of Kilburn. In 1843 the pub was trading as the Queen’s Arms Tavern, owned and possibly built by Robert Blore. He was in the horse omnibus business, part owner of the London Conveyance Company, and a bus yard was created at the back of the pub.   Queen's Arms (Marianne Colloms) At the time, the Queen’s Arms was one of many venues popular with Londoners for a day trip into the country. Its pleasure gardens sloped down to the Kilbourne stream after it had passed under the High Road at Kilburn Bridge. On holidays the publican put on special events and shows. One Easter advert promoted (among many other attractions over three days), a grand military band, balloon ascents and a fancy fair, all culminating in a grand ball. In 1911, the public house had a loyal band of locals who came for a drink most eve...