History of Kilburn and West Hampstead

The evening of Monday 24 April 1893 was pleasantly warm. Around 9pm, the moon was rising over the working-class neighbourhood around Canterbury Road, South Kilburn, where the streets and pavements were busy with friends exchanging gossip and children playing. Indoor space here was at a premium; the eight or nine roomed terrace houses were generally shared between two or three large families. The 1891 census shows over 20 residents was the norm for the houses in Peel Road. So, if the weather permitted, they preferred to spend time outdoors. 1950's OS Map showing the Sir Robert Peel pub The Sir Robert Peel public house at the junction of Canterbury and Peel Roads was known familiarly as ‘The Peel’, a popular place for locals to socialise. As usual the landlord, Edward Pattenden was busy serving his regulars with drinks. He later told reporters, ‘We did not hear the crash as plainly as those outside.’ Sir Robert Peel (Historic England)   What had happened? The crash was likened by obs...