30th October 2011 - by Naz Daud
History of Uxbridge, Hillingdon
The market town of Uxbridge, Hillingdon, in the county of Middlesex, is located in the west of
London in what is now the London Borough of Hillingdon. The name Uxbridge derives from the name of the Saxon Wuxen
tribe, whose territory was bounded by the River Colne, which now forms the boundary between Uxbridge and
Buckinghamshire.
Although Uxbridge was not mentioned in the Doomsday Book, by the end of the 12th century Uxbridge was given
permission to hold a market every Thursday. By the mid 13th century Uxbridge had become large and prosperous enough
to build a chapel dedicated to St Margaret. Over time this chapel was extended and enlarged to become the church
that can still be seen at the top of Windsor Street. The associated burial ground can be seen at the bottom of
Windsor Street, although it is no longer a burial ground but remains a grassed area where a war memorial now
stands.
The market was the main source of prosperity for Uxbridge resulting in the building of a market house. This was
rebuilt nearby in 1561 and again in 1788 by the building that still stands at the top of Windsor Street.
During the English Civil War, Uxbridge was an important garrison for Parliamentary Troops and was the site for an
attempted peace negotiation, which took place in what is now the Crown and Treaty Pub.
Uxbridge within Hillingdon continued to prosper, both from the market and from coaching trade which resulted in
many inns, alehouses and breweries opening to cater for them. However in the 19th century the agricultural market
declined and was replaced by industry; the coaching trade declined after the opening of the railway station at West
Drayton.
Rapid change came to Uxbridge in the 20th century when the Metropolitan line was extended to Uxbridge, with the
existing station being opened in 1938. Many houses were built between the two world wars. Uxbridge also had an RAF
base which was home to No 11 group RAF Fighter Commander during the Battle of Britain.
Much of old Uxbridge town centre was modernized in the 1960s and 1970s, with the first of two shopping centres
opening at this time. Uxbridge in Hillingdon, now houses the main European offices of several international
companies plus many other major employers. Brunel University is located on the outskirts of the town.
Uxbridge today is modern and contributes to the overall economy of Hillingdon. The city centre has many of the top
retail stores as well as some of the best and largest companies in the world having a presence there. It also has
many canals and is often compared to Venice! For travelers and tourists visiting Hillingdon, They will be well
advised to spend at least a couple of days savoring the modern delights that Uxbridge has to offer. There is plenty
of action to keep the young at heart entertained whilst the more refined amongst you will have plenty of light
entertainment to keep you amused and help you while away the hours in an enjoyable fashion.
Source: http://articlesabroad.com/articles
[SOCIALNETWORKLINK0000000008]
| 
