Paddington District W2, W9
Nearest Tube: Paddington
The name of this district, situated just to the north of Hyde Park, is derived from
the Anglo-Saxon chief Padda, who once ruled the area.
For many years it was a rural area on the outskirts of London and it wasn't until the
industrial expansion of the city during the 19th century that it became
urbanised.
The main deterrent that kept people from settling in the area prior to this was the Tyburn
Gallows that were situated nearby. These were dismantled in 1780 and so people became more
willing to settle in the area.
But the main impetus for the development of the area was the Grand Union Canal, which
opened in 1801. This linked Paddington to the industrial midlands and brought a great deal
of welcome trade to the area.
The area then expanded rapidly as both an industrial and a residential region. As a
result, much of the architecture in the district dates from the 19th century, with lots of
squares surrounded by terraced houses.
Today the district of Paddington is most famous for two things - its station and
its bear. The impressive Victorian station was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and
first opened in 1838. Its vast iron girders give it a distinctly cathedral-like feel and
are typical of the design principles of the Victorian age.
Paddington Bear, meanwhile, is the famous children's character who arrived at the station
with a suitcase full of marmalade sandwiches and a label reading "Please Look
After This Bear".
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In the early 20th century Paddington had a dubious reputation for poverty,
crime and prostitution, but today the atmosphere of the district is lively and
cosmopolitan. In particular it is an excellent place to head for if you are looking for
budget accommodation as it has lots of independent hostels.
The district of Paddington includes several distinct regions including
Bayswater, Maida
Vale and Little Venice. Tourist attractions include the London Toy and Model Museum and
the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum.
Maida Vale District
London W9
Nearest Tube: Maida Vale
The area of London just to the north west of Paddington is called Maida Vale, after the
battle of Maida that took place in Italy in 1806. The area is very pretty and is cut
through the middle by the Regent's Canal, earning the area directly around the canal the
nickname Little Venice.
The area is predominantly residential, with the architecture dating from the Edwardian
era. Famous past residents of the area include Sir John Tenniel, the illustrator of Alice
in Wonderland and the radio pioneer Sir Ambrose Fleming. London W9
Nearest Tube: Maida Vale
The area of London just to the north west of Paddington is called Maida Vale, after the
battle of Maida that took place in Italy in 1806. The area is very pretty and is cut
through the middle by the Regent's Canal, earning the area directly around the canal the
nickname Little Venice.
The area is predominantly residential, with the architecture dating from the Edwardian
era. Famous past residents of the area include Sir John Tenniel, the illustrator of Alice
in Wonderland and the radio pioneer Sir Ambrose Fleming.
Little
Venice District
London W2
Nearest Tube: Warwick Avenue
The area of London just to the north west of Paddington is called Maida Vale, after the
battle of Maida that took place in Italy in 1806. The area is very pretty and is cut
through the middle by the Regent's Canal.
The attractiveness of the directly around the canal, in the southern part of Maida Vale,
has earned it the nickname of Little Venice, first coined by the poet Robert Browning.
There are lots of picturesque pubs and walks in the area, making it a very pleasant place
to while away an afternoon in. The area also contains the Rembrandt Gardens, which were
named in 1975 in order to mark the 700th anniversary of Amsterdam.
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