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Uncover top historical facts about Edgware Road, from Roman Watling Street to Arab Quarter. Learn what makes this London street truly legendary.
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Ever thought what there would be under those busy streets along one of the oldest thoroughfares of London? Edgware Road is not just any other street in London it is rather a living timeline of the events that have happened through the ages starting with the Roman legions and
contemporary multiculturalism. We are your reliable associates in Gatwick Taxi Transfer and we have been carrying passengers along this iconic roadway with a count of thousands and we are keen on creating an atmosphere of the tapestry of history that is Edgware Road.
Are you going to travel along Edgware Road London or was it just curiosity you had as to what is the history of the Edgware Road, this is the guide that helps to discover the best historical facts about Edgware Road, which never just made a street, but a whole community over two thousand years.
One of the oldest thoroughfares in London is the Edgware Road and its history dates back to over 2000 years. It is a famous street that was a part of the Roman Watling Street, which has now been changed to one of the busiest and diverse locations of London central, as a
military road of strategic position during the times. The Edgware road map experience is an interesting one because it follows the history of the arch of Marble to the northern suburbs every time it loops, a different story is being told.
You ride to Gatwick Taxi Transfer on Edgware Road England to-day, and you are the heir of the Roman soldiers and the medieval traveller and the Victorian theatre-goers and generations of the immigrants who have made their home along this road.
The name of Edgware Road was not named in the very distant past as compared to the period of the existence of this ancestral road, which was a section of the well-known Watling Street, which was one of the most important roads in Roman Britain. This military road, built a little
after the Roman invasion of 43 AD, is between the ports of Dover (Portus Dubris) and Wroxeter (Viroconium Cornoviorum) at Shropshire.
The Romans took this specific route through the current day Edgware London England, due to several strategic reasons:
Tactic Military The road was short-lived leading to northern lands as the Romans referred to it as Londinium (Modern London).
Natural geography: The path around the thick Great Middlesex Forest.
Trade facilitation: It connected great Roman settlements and military bases.
Hopeless marvel: The Roman road planners created a highly straight road in which the present Edgware Rd London London majorly fits.
And Reason: Why This Should Matter Now: Our Gatwick Taxi Transfer drivers are literally travelling the same road which Roman chariots travelled nearly 2,000 years ago. Even nowadays the original Roman foundations are found under the tarmac and this serves as a testament of Roman engineering ability.
| Roman Period Feature |
Modern Equivalent | Significance |
| Watling Street | A5/Edgware Road | Main arterial route |
| Londinium | Central London | Starting point |
| Straight alignment | Modern road layout | Engineering precision |
| Military camps | Marble Arch area | Strategic positioning |
The road was no longer maintained after the Romans left in 410 AD, and the Dark Ages. But by the medieval period, Edgware Street London was important in linking London to the fertile agricultural land of Middlesex and Hertfordshire.
In this time the Great Middlesex Forest was in control of the area now referred to as the Edgeware Road London. This thick wood-land was an obstacle and a source:
The medieval path was much more rough than the Roman one, and the travellers had to deal with mud, bandits, wild animals. There also started to appear small settlements along the route which ultimately led to the village of Edgware itself.
One of the questions that have been a source of fascination to historians over the ages is why Edgware is referred to as Edgware. The name Edgware is based on the Old English of Ecgi weir or ecgi fishing enclosure, in the Domesday Book of 1086 the word was spelled Egge.
A weir is used to refer to a fishing trap or a dam over the Edgware Brook or Deans Brook that flows across the area. This fishing weir was supposed to be controlled by a Saxon landowner by the name of Ecgi, and his name permanently attached to the settlement that grew around
this weir.
The different historical spellings you may come across, such as "Edgward Road" and "Egware Road," are all derived from the same old name, which our Gatwick Taxi Transfer staff is well-versed in thanks to years of experience driving these old streets.
This is possibly the darkest period in the history of Edgware Road, which revolves around Tyburn, which was situated around the crossing of the Edgward Road and what is now known as Marble Arch. This place was the major site of the public executions in London during more than 600 years.
The executed used to be taken out of Newgate Prison along what was later called the Tyburn Road (today Oxford Street), and the corps was led to the gallows up Edgware Road. Their final drink was served in the Mason Arms pub, which remains close to the Seymour Place.
Notable Tyburn Victims:
Today, there is a plaque in the location and the Tyburn Convent on the Hyde park place gives tours of the location. You are driving by this historical site on your way to Ajwar road, London via Gatwick Taxi Transfer.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw Edgware Road England become notorious for highway robbery. As one of the main routes out of London, wealthy travellers made tempting targets for organised criminal gangs.
The Rise of Highway Robbery:
In 1710, the Edgware-Kilburn Turnpike Trust was formed to raise road tolls and was unintentionally providing good ambush spots. There were toll gates which slowed down the traffic and exposed the travellers to an attack.
The most romanticised character around the criminal history of Praed Road and Edgware Road is the person of Dick Turpin (1705-1739). Although the popular culture presents him as a gentleman thief, the historical evidence shows a much grosser truth:
Turpin went on to become a folk hero despite his violent criminal acts as he gained popularity in many ballads, plays, and subsequent movies after his execution. His mythology added to the romantic myths of Edgware Road in this lawless time.
Anti-Highway Robbery Measures:
The 19th century brought unprecedented transformation to Edward Road London. The expansion of London's railway network and urban development converted this ancient rural highway into a bustling Victorian street.
Key Victorian Developments:
Metropolitan Railway (1863): The Edgware Road station was one of the first stations built at the first underground railway in the world. What is the history of Edgware station? It opened on 10 January 1863 as part of the Metropolitan Railway between Paddington and Farringdon Street, revolutionising transportation in the area.
| Year | Development | Impact on Edgware Road |
| 1863 | Metropolitan Railway opens | Increased accessibility and footfall |
| 1868 | Second Edgware Road station (Circle Line) | Enhanced connectivity |
| 1875 | Street widening projects | Improved traffic flow |
| 1880s | Gas street lighting installed | Increased safety and night economy |
| 1890s | Electric tram services introduced | Working-class mobility |
Architectural Heritage: Many Victorian buildings still line Edgware Road map locations today, featuring:
When Gatwick Taxi Transfer navigates through London Edgware Road, we pass these magnificent Victorian structures that tell the story of London's explosive 19th-century growth.
While Leicester Square claims the title of London's cinema heartland today, Edgware Road was actually the pioneering entertainment district of early 20th-century London. This is one of the most overlooked top historical facts about Edgware Road.
The Recreations Cinematograph Theatre (1909-1964):
Montagu Pyke, known as the "Cinema King," chose Edgware Road for his revolutionary venture London's first purpose-built cinema. His reasoning was brilliantly practical:
"Firstly because it is a very thickly populated neighbourhood, and secondly, it appeared to me from the class of people one sees daily on the streets that they would make an appreciative audience if you gave them good value and the prices were right."
Edgware Road's Cinema Heritage:
What Made Edgware Road Cinema-Friendly?:
It began to decline in the 1960s-70s as the ownership of televisions became ubiquitous and the emergence of American-type multiplexes in the suburban areas attracted viewers. The final classic cinema in the Edgware Rd London was shut down in 1981 but the legacy is still visible in the converted structures.
The period since the 1970s is considered one of the greatest changes of the modern history of Edgware Road, when the Arab immigrants, especially those of the Lebanese, Egyptian and Syrian backgrounds became the residents of what is now referred to as the Arab Quarter or the Little Cairo of London.
Why Arab Communities Chose Edgware Road:
Today, Edgware Road restaurants represent some of the finest Middle Eastern cuisine in Europe:
Economic Significance: According to local business surveys, the Arab commercial presence on Edgware Street London generates approximately £120 million annually, supporting over 200 shops on Edgware Road and employing more than 2,000 people.
The transformation is particularly visible between Marble Arch and the Marylebone Flyover, where shop signs in Arabic script, outdoor shisha cafés, and the aroma of grilled meats create an atmosphere reminiscent of Beirut or Cairo.
Gatwick Taxi Transfer drivers frequently transport passengers to this vibrant quarter, which remains busiest during Ramadan when evening meals (iftar) draw thousands of visitors.
Edgware Road safety has significantly improved over recent decades. The area is generally safe, particularly around the restaurant quarter which remains busy until late. However, as with any central London location:
The northern section of Edgware Road London witnessed dramatic regeneration with the Paddington Basin development, transforming former industrial canal lands into a modern commercial and residential hub.
Development Timeline:
Impact on Edgware Road:
The regeneration brought:
This development represents the latest chapter in the continuous evolution of Costa Edgware Road and surrounding areas, bringing 21st-century architecture alongside historic Victorian buildings.
So, what is Edgware Road famous for in the modern era? This historic thoroughfare uniquely combines:
Culinary Excellence:
Historical Significance:
Cultural Diversity:
Transport Hub:
Shopping Destination:
| Era | Primary Function | Key Characteristics | Population |
| Roman (43-410 AD) | Military & trade route | Watling Street, strategic highway | Sparse |
| Medieval (410-1500) | Agricultural connection | Rural, forested, dangerous | Villages only |
| Tudor-Stuart (1500-1700) | Main road to northwest | Highway robbery, Tyburn executions | Growing |
| Georgian-Victorian (1700-1900) | Urban thoroughfare | Turnpikes, gas lighting, railways | Dense |
| Edwardian-Interwar (1900-1945) | Entertainment district | Cinemas, theatres, nightlife | Very dense |
| Post-war (1945-1970) | Decline period | Cinema closures, urban decay | Declining |
| Modern (1970-present) | Cultural & culinary hub | Arab Quarter, regeneration, diversity | Resurgent |
As specialists in airport taxi transfer services, Gatwick Taxi Transfer regularly navigates the full length of Edgware Road, from Marble Arch to the northern suburbs. Our drivers' intimate knowledge of this historic route ensures:
When time permits during your airport transfer, consider these historically significant locations:
While this article focuses on Edgware Road, the northern terminus the district of Edgware itself holds fascinating historical significance:
Medieval Origins: Edgware village appears in the Domesday Book (1086) with a population of just 26 households, valued at £8.
Strategic Location: Positioned 10 miles northwest of Charing Cross, Edgware became an important coaching stop on the Holyhead Road.
Railway Revolution: The arrival of the Northern Line extension in 1924 transformed Edgware from rural village to suburban hub, with population increasing from 1,516 (1911) to over 15,000 by 1931.
RAF Connection: RAF Hendon, adjacent to Edgware, played crucial roles in both World Wars and now houses the RAF Museum.
Modern Edgware: Today's Edgware is a thriving suburban centre with its own diverse community, major shopping facilities, and direct tube connection to central London via the Northern Line.
Understanding the Edgware Road map helps appreciate how this 10-mile route connects diverse neighbourhoods:
Southern Section (Marble Arch to Paddington):
Central Section (Paddington to Kilburn):
Northern Section (Kilburn to Edgware):
What does the future hold for this ancient route? Current developments suggest:
Planned Improvements:
Challenges:
Gatwick Taxi Transfer commitment: As London evolves, we remain committed to providing reliable, professional airport transfer services that connect this historic route to London's international gateways.
Edgware Road extends approximately 10 miles from Marble Arch in central London to Edgware in the northern suburbs.
There are actually two separate Edgware Road stations: one serves the Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines; the other serves the Bakerloo Line. They're about 200 metres apart.
The Arab Quarter comes alive in the evenings, especially after 8 PM. During Ramadan, the iftar period (sunset) creates a particularly vibrant atmosphere.
Yes, though it would take approximately 3-4 hours. Most visitors explore specific sections or use the tube to connect different areas of interest.
Parking is extremely limited and expensive in the southern sections. We recommend using Gatwick Taxi Transfer or public transport instead.
The history of the Edgware Road dates back nearly 2,000 years to Roman Britain. Romans built Watling Street as a military and trade route connecting London to St Albans and northwest England. The road evolved through medieval, Victorian, and modern times, remaining a vital London thoroughfare throughout its long history.
Interesting facts about Edgware include its Roman origins as Watling Street, its name meaning "Ecgi's weir" from Saxon times, its role as a major coaching route, its transformation into a multicultural hub in the 1970s-80s, and its surviving Victorian architecture alongside modern development.
Edgware is called Edgware because the name comes from Old English "Ecgi's weir." A weir is a dam built across a river to catch fish. Someone named Ecgi owned fishing rights in the area over 1,000 years ago during Saxon times.
Edgware Road station opened in 1863 as part of the Metropolitan Railway, the world's first underground railway. The station expanded as London's Tube network grew. Today, three lines serve the station: Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines.
The top 10 historical facts about Edgware Road include its Roman origins, Saxon naming, medieval coaching route importance, Victorian development, World War II bombing, post-war rebuilding, multicultural transformation, Underground railway development, famous local landmarks like Square Bubbles, and its current role as a transport hub.
Yes, Edgware Road is generally safe at night. The main road stays busy with restaurants and cafes open late. Good street lighting, CCTV cameras, and regular police patrols help maintain security. Use normal city precautions like staying on well-lit streets and being aware of your surroundings.
Edgware Road is famous for its large Middle Eastern community and authentic Arab restaurants. The street is known for Lebanese, Egyptian, and Syrian cuisine, shisha cafes, Arabic shops, and its multicultural atmosphere. It's also famous for its historical significance as an ancient Roman road.
The best Edgware Road restaurants serve authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Popular options include Lebanese restaurants serving mezze and grills, Egyptian establishments offering koshari and traditional dishes, and Syrian cafes with sweets and pastries. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating and late-night dining.
An Edgware Road map shows the street running north-south from Marble Arch to Edgware. Key landmarks include Edgware Road station in the central section, Praed Road crossing near Paddington, and various shopping areas. Online maps from Google or Transport for London provide detailed navigation.
Praed Road crosses Edgware Road near Paddington station in central London. This intersection marks an important transport hub where Underground lines converge and mainline trains depart from Paddington for western England and Wales.
Shops on Edgware Road include Middle Eastern grocery stores, electronics shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food markets, bookshops selling Arabic literature, and various chain stores. The area offers a mix of independent retailers and familiar brands.
From Edgware Road to Gatwick Airport, you can take the Underground to Victoria or London Bridge, then catch a direct train to Gatwick. Alternatively, book a taxi with Gatwick Taxi Transfer for door-to-door service taking 75-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Whether you're flying into Gatwick Airport and need reliable transport to Edgware Road, or you're departing from this historic area and require punctual airport transfer services, Gatwick Taxi Transfer offers:
✓ Professional drivers with extensive London knowledge
✓ Modern, comfortable vehicles suitable for all group sizes
✓ Fixed competitive prices with no surge pricing
✓ Flight monitoring ensuring we're there when you land
✓ 24/7 availability for any departure or arrival time
✓ Door-to-door service with luggage assistance
✓ Historic insights from drivers who know every corner of Edgware Road
From Roman legions marching along Watling Street to modern diners enjoying Lebanese mezze, Edgeware Road London has seen it all. From public executions at Tyburn to Victorian cinema-goers, from Dick Turpin’s highway robberies to today’s urban regeneration projects, Edgware Street London captures the dramatic sweep of London’s history.
These top 10 historical facts about Edgeware Road London reveal more than dates and events. They show how one street can witness conquest, crime, entertainment revolutions, and cultural change yet still thrive. Roman foundations lie beneath modern tarmac. Victorian buildings now host 21st-century businesses. Medieval names live on in daily use.
When you travel along Edgeware Road London with Gatwick Taxi Transfer, you’re not just moving from Point A to Point B. You’re travelling through a living museum, a road that has survived for over two millennia.
Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie exploring the Arab Quarter, or a traveller needing the cheapest taxi transfer, Edgeware Road London offers something special. Architecture, culture, and stories meet here.
Next time you book your airport transfer with Gatwick Taxi Transfer, take a moment to look beyond the shopfronts and traffic lights. You’re journeying along one of Britain’s most historic routes, Edgware Street London, a road that has seen empires rise and fall, justice served and denied, and countless travellers pass through.
That’s the true magic of Edgeware Road London.
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