Description
Middlesex Early History and Prehistoric Era
The area now known as Middlesex was originally inhabited by early human settlers in prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of Stone Age tools and burial sites across the region, particularly around the River Thames, which would have been an important source of water and food for early communities. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, various tribes lived in the area, and it was part of the territory of the ancient Celtic tribes.
Roman Era (43–410 AD)
The Romans established their presence in Britain after their conquest in 43 AD, and Middlesex became part of Roman Britain. Londinium (modern-day London) was founded by the Romans around 47 AD as a port and trading hub, and it quickly grew to become the capital of Roman Britain. The settlement of Londinium was crucial for the development of the region, and the surrounding areas, including Middlesex, served as agricultural land, as well as key military and trade routes. Several Roman roads, such as Watling Street, passed through the area, connecting Londinium to other parts of the Roman Empire.
Roman settlements in the area included small villas and farms, and remains of Roman artefacts and structures have been uncovered in places like St Albans (Verulamium) and Brentford. The Roman legacy is still visible in archaeological sites, roads, and the foundations of modern infrastructure in the region.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Period (5th–11th Centuries)
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Anglo-Saxons began to settle in Britain. Middlesex was part of the Kingdom of Wessex, which became one of the most dominant Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The region was important for its proximity to London, which by this time was becoming an important centre for trade and administration.
The area also faced Viking invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries. The Vikings attempted to settle and gain control over large parts of England, including the Kingdom of Wessex. However, the Saxon kings, particularly Alfred the Great and his successors, successfully pushed back the Viking forces, maintaining the Anglo-Saxon rule in the area.
The Norman Conquest and Medieval Period (1066–15th Century)
The Norman Conquest of 1066 dramatically reshaped England, and Middlesex, as part of the kingdom, came under Norman control. The Normans introduced feudalism, and the land in Middlesex was redistributed to Norman barons and nobles. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the estates of the region and provides insight into the wealth and agricultural productivity of the area.
London continued to thrive under Norman rule, and its importance as a commercial and administrative centre grew. The construction of castles and churches during this period marked the architectural landscape of Middlesex, and the area saw the development of small towns and villages.
Tudor and Stuart Periods (16th–17th Centuries)
During the Tudor period, the monarchy expanded its influence and power, and Middlesex played a significant role in the growth of London as the seat of royal power. The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII affected many religious establishments in the region, leading to the redistribution of lands.
In the 17th century, London experienced political upheavals, including the English Civil War (1642–1651). While Middlesex itself was not the site of major battles, it played an important role in the conflict, as both Royalists and Parliamentarians had support in the region. London was a stronghold of Parliamentarian sentiment, and the control of the capital was crucial to the outcome of the war.
The Great Fire of London (1666), though cantered within the City of London, affected surrounding areas of Middlesex as well, as it devastated many properties and structures. The fire led to a major rebuilding project, and the expansion of London continued in the subsequent decades.
Industrial Revolution and Urbanization (18th–19th Centuries)
By the 18th century, Middlesex was undergoing significant changes. London’s rapid expansion, combined with improvements in transportation such as roads, canals, and railways, led to the urbanization of areas in Middlesex. The Industrial Revolution brought with it the growth of factories, industries, and housing. Major rivers, such as the Thames and the Grand Union Canal, provided important trade routes for industrial goods.
These changes are reflected through the centuries with our collection of Old London Maps on our sister site.
The population of Middlesex exploded, with London acting as a magnet for people seeking employment in the growing industries and commercial sectors. In addition to heavy industry, the development of new housing, including terraced houses, and infrastructure such as bridges and public transportation systems, significantly transformed the landscape of the region.
Victorian Era and Suburban Expansion (19th Century)
The Victorian era saw the rapid suburbanization of Middlesex, driven by the expansion of the railway system. New towns and suburbs, such as Ealing, Hendon, and Harrow, emerged as commuters moved further out of central London in search of more affordable housing. The development of the Metropolitan Railway and the suburban rail network made it easier for people to travel to London, leading to a massive growth in population and housing in areas like Tottenham and Hounslow.
At this time, the county’s agricultural and rural areas were rapidly developed into residential and commercial zones, and Middlesex became a key part of the expanding metropolis.
Early 20th Century and the Creation of Greater London (1900–1965)
In the early 20th century, Middlesex continued to grow, and many areas that were once part of the historic county became integral parts of the expanding London metropolitan area. The First World War and the interwar period brought about significant changes in the social and economic fabric of Middlesex. Suburban development continued as the demand for housing grew.
Following World War II, large-scale redevelopment projects and housing estates were built to replace bombed-out areas. In 1965, the administrative county of Middlesex was abolished as part of the creation of Greater London. Most of the county was incorporated into the newly formed London boroughs, with a few parts transferred to adjacent counties like Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Hertfordshire.
Middlesex’s Legacy
While Middlesex no longer exists as an administrative county, its legacy remains in the modern boroughs that once comprised it, particularly in the places that retain the historical county name. Areas like Hillingdon, Harrow, and Enfield are now part of Greater London, and the county’s historical role as an agricultural and commercial hub continues to be reflected in the diverse communities and neighbourhoods that developed in the region.
The name “Middlesex” is still used in various contexts, including for the Middlesex University and various sports teams, and in postal addresses. Many areas within the old Middlesex boundaries continue to showcase traces of its rich and diverse history, from ancient Roman roads to the cultural diversity brought by waves of migration in the 20th century.
Towns in Historic Middlesex:
Brentford
Chiswick
Ealing
Acton
Hammersmith
Fulham
Shepherd’s Bush
Kensington
Chelsea
Harrow
Pinner
Stanmore
Edgware
Mill Hill
Finchley
Hendon
Colindale
Golders Green
Cricklewood
Willesden
Kilburn
Neasden
Hampstead
Highgate
Tottenham
Wood Green
Hornsey
Muswell Hill
Southgate
Palmers Green
Edmonton
Enfield
Bush Hill Park
Winchmore Hill
Cockfosters
Barnet
New Barnet
East Barnet
Whetstone
Friern Barnet
South Harrow
North Harrow
West Harrow
Rayners Lane
Hatch End
Wealdstone
Ruislip
South Ruislip
Northwood
Ickenham
Eastcote
Uxbridge
West Drayton
Yiewsley
Hayes
Hillingdon
Harefield
Greenford
Northolt
Perivale
Southall
Hanwell
Feltham
Bedfont
Cranford
Heston
Isleworth
Hounslow
Twickenham
Whitton
Teddington
Hampton (Hampton, Hampton Hill, Hampton Wick)
Sunbury-on-Thames (now in Surrey)
Shepperton (now in Surrey)
Smaller Villages and Hamlets:
Harmondsworth
Longford
Sipson
Littleton (now in Surrey)
Laleham (now in Surrey)
West Twyford
New Southgate
Little Stanmore
Great Stanmore
Kenton
Queensbury
Stonebridge
Brimsdown
Botany Bay (Enfield area)
Monken Hadley
Hadley Wood
Many of these places are now within Greater London, while a few are in Hertfordshire or Surrey due to boundary changes.
