Around 60 individuals joined the Belsize Society spring local history walk led by Averil Nottage. Averil guided us around sites in Belsize associated with the period from the end of the 19th century to the Second World War.
We were introduced to the changing face of Belsize Park as the London Underground and cinema arrived in the area. Along Belsize Grove, Averil highlighted the large blocks that were developed as Belsize welcomed smaller families, often younger, as people set up first homes. Then we were introduced to the Haverstock Hill of a period some of the walkers could still recall.
Averil explained that the location of the Everyman has hosted a cinema since 1913, and the splendour of the earlier Hampstead Picture Playhouse meant that the Belsize Odean became the Leicester Square of that period. Some of those on the walk could remember the sweet shop by the cinema that is now Kavanagh’s.
The walk also covered the politics of the 1930s, with Hampstead Town Hall featuring in the rallies of Oswald Mosely and campaigns for votes for women. The arrival of refugees from Europe marked the end of our walk at St Peter’s Church and Belsize Square Synagogue. But the story is set to continue with a walk about post-war Belsize currently in development for the autumn. We are grateful to Averil for a really interesting tour.