Hounslow

Hounslow in west London has a history that takes in aristocratic wealth, dangerous highwaymen and rock’n’roll royalty.

The borough encompasses areas like Brentford and Chiswick, which were largely rural until the arrival of the railways in the 1800s. It’s home to a number of historic houses, like Chiswick House and Boston Manor House. Syon Park, owned by the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 400 years, sits along the River Thames.

Hounslow’s location on the road from Exeter to London made it a centre for travel-related commerce like inns and blacksmiths. This also attracted highwaymen to Hounslow Heath including the charming Claude Duval, according to legend.

Further west is Feltham, where a teenage Freddie Mercury was living with his family when he met his Queen bandmates.