Hampstead
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| Hampstead | |
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| Administration | |
| Borough: | Camden |
| County: | Greater London |
| Region: | Greater London |
| Nation: | England |
| Other | |
| Ceremonial County: | Greater London |
| Traditional County: | Middlesex |
| Post Office and Telephone | |
| Post town: | LONDON |
| Postcode: | NW3 |
| Dialling Code: | 020 |
Hampstead is a suburb of London about five miles northwest of the city centre. It constitutes the north-western part of the London Borough of Camden. Hampstead's origins can be traced back to the 17th century, when springs with alleged medicinal qualities were discovered.
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History
John_Constable_007.jpg
Although early records of Hampstead can be found in a grant by King Ethelred the Unready to the monastery of St. Peter’s at Westminster (986AD) and it is referred to in the Doomsday Book (1086AD), the history of Hampstead is generally traced back to the 17th century.
Trustees of the Well started advertising the medicinal qualities of the chalybeate waters (water impregnated with iron) in 1700. Although Hampstead Wells was initially successful, its popularity declined in the 1800’s due to competition with other London spas. The spa was demolished in 1882, although a water fountain was left behind.
Hampstead started to expand following the opening of the North London Line (Silverlink) in the 1860, with further expansion after the Northern Line was opened, enabling fast travel to central London.
Substantial housing was created dueing the 1870’s and 1880’s, in the area that is now the political ward of Fitzjohns & Frognal. Much of this housing remains to this day.
During the 1900’s, a number of notable buildings were created. These include:
- Hampstead tube station (1907)
- Hampstead Theatre (1962)
- Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (1964)
- Swiss Cottage Central Library (1964)
- Royal Free Hospital (1974)
Of these, the Hampstead Theatre relocated in 2003 (increasing capacity from 140 to 325 seats) and the leisure centre was closed for rebuilding in 2003.
Though now considered an integral part of London, Hampstead has retained much of its village charm.
Politics
Hampstead became a borough in 1885 though it merged with St. Pancras and Holborn to become the London Borough of Camden in 1965. Part of the Hampstead and Highgate constituency, since 1992 the Member of Parliament has been the former actress Glenda Jackson (Labour Party)
Famous Residents
Hampstead has long been known as a residence of artists, writers and intellectuals. Its famous inhabitants have included John Keats, Sigmund Freud, John Constable, George Orwell, Edward Elgar and Peter Cook.
Hampstead is currently home to a number of famous musicians and sportsmen, including Anthony Minghella, Boy George, Constantine II of Greece, Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Fredrik Ljungberg, George Michael, Jamie Oliver, John le Carré, Liam Gallagher, Mel C. (Sporty Spice), Michael Foot, Rachel Stevens, Robert Pirès and Thierry Henry.
Sites
Hampstead is well known for its restaurants and famous pubs, such as the Holly Bush (was gas lit until recently), the Spaniard's Inn, The Old Bull & Bush and the White Bear. Jack Straw's Castle on the edge of the Heath has now been converted into residential flats. To the north and east of Hampstead, and separating it from Highgate, is London's largest ancient parkland, Hampstead Heath, which includes the well-known and legally-protected view of the London skyline from Parliament Hill. The Heath has three public swimming ponds; one for men, one for women, and one for mixed bathing, which were originally reservoirs for drinking water and part of the River Fleet.
Local activities include period harpsichord recitals at Fenton House, Hampstead Scientific Society and Hampstead Photographic Society.
Museums
- Fenton House
- Freud Museum
- Hampstead Museum / Burgh House
- Keats' House
- Kenwood House
Schools
Primary Schools
- Christ Church Primary School (Mixed, Voluntary Aided)
- Devonshire House Preparatory School (Mixed, Independent)
- Fitzjohns Primary School (Mixed, Community)
- Fleet Primary School (Mixed, Community)
- Hall School (Boys, Independent)
- Hampstead Hill School (Mixed, Independent)
- Hampstead Parochial Primary School (Mixed, Voluntary Aided, Church of England)
- Heathside Prep School (Mixed, Independent)
- Holy Trinity Primary School (Church of England)
- Lyndhurst House Preparatory School (Boys, Independent)
- Maria Montessori School (Mixed, Independent)
- New End Primary School (Mixed, Community)
- North Bridge House School (Mixed, Independent)
- Pheonix (Mixed, Independent)
- Rosary Primary School (Mixed, Voluntary Aided, Catholic)
- Royal Free Hospital Children's School (Mixed, Special Community)
- Royal School Hampstead (Girls, Independent)
- Saint Pauls Primary School (Church of England)
- South Hampstead Junior School (Girls, Independent)
- Southbank International Preparatory School (Mixed, Independent)
- St Anthony’s Preparatory School (Boys, Independent)
- St Christopher's School (Girls, Independent)
- St Margaret's School (Girls, Independent)
- St Mary's School (Mixed, Independent)
- The Academy School (Mixed, Independent)
- University College School Junior Department (Boys, Independent)
Secondary Schools
- Hampstead (Mixed, Community)
- Haverstock (Mixed, Community)
- Parliament Hill (Girls, Community)
- Royal Free Hospital Children's School (Mixed, Special Community)
- Royal School Hampstead (Girls, Independent)
- South Hampstead High School (Girls, Independent)
- St Margaret's School (Girls, Independent)
- University College School (Boys, Independent)
- William Ellis (Boys, Voluntary Aided)
Colleges
- British College of Osteopathic Medecine
- Hampstead College Of Fine Arts & Humanities
- Hampstead School of Art
- Hampstead School of Speech & Drama
- King’s College London
- Lakefield Catering & Educational Centre
- Royal Free & University College Medical School
- The Hampstead School of English
Nearby
Nearest places:
Nearest tube stations:
Nearest railway station:
Nearest hospital:
External links
- Hampstead Scientific Society (http://www.hampsteadscience.ac.uk/)he:המפסטד