The Old Bell Pub is one of the oldest pubs in Kilburn and probably even dates from the time of Kilburn Priory. At the bottom of the Kilburn High Road it's at the strategic junction of the old Roman Road Watling Street, the old Kilburn River and the now railway line and associated bridge.In more recent times it was the principle pub in the 30's at which many Irish workers could find accommodation - there used to be blackboards with chalk listings of landlords and bedsits.
It's credited with being on the spot behind which was the preaching field from medieval times through to the 1800's (this is part confirmed by Goldsmith's Place being renamed Springfield Lane...) and became the main drinking hole for those using the railway line after its' arrival.
The Ox red brick tiling certainly gives it that sense of railway tavern and the architecture is of that type too.The pub is commemorated in the mural up by Kilburn Tube Station (pic right).
Are you coming to the Kilburn Festival: http://www.kilburnfestival.co.uk/
Other key postings on this bit of Kilburn:
http://474towin.blogspot.com/2008/04/outdoor-preaching-in-kilburn.html
http://474towin.blogspot.com/2008/03/yes-you-can-visit-kilburn-priory-today.html
http://474towin.blogspot.com/2008/03/changing-of-street-names.html
No comments:
Post a Comment