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PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
The London Borough of Hammersmith covers an area of 3,995 acres, bounded on the South by the Thames,
on the North by Brent, to the East by Kensington and Chelsea, and to the West by Ealing and Hounsiow.
The subsoil in the Northern section of the Borough is mainly clay, whilst in the South there is a layer of some
twenty feet of gravel over blue clay. There is a variation of approximately 120 feet in elevation from the river to
the Northern boundary whilst the lowest point is 13 feet above sea level.
There are more than 1,000 factories of varied nature within the Borough and most trades are represented.
This development is undoubtedly due to the excellent water, road, and rail transport facilities available. Of
equal importance to the industrialist and the resident alike are the comprehensive passenger transport services
of the area which, for eighteen hours a day provide train and bus schedules to most parts of London and to
surrounding districts. The Borough is easily accessible to London Airport.
Hammersmith has all the usual amenities for recreation and relaxation. There are swimming baths at Lime
Grove and North End Road, whilst Bloemfontein Road has an open-air swimming pool measuring 150 feet by
75 feet.
The Southern boundary formed by the Thames stretches for four miles around two bends. Whilst industry
occupies a considerable proportion of this frontage, it is gradually being decreased as the Council's policy of
opening up access to the river continues. The Malls, together with Furnival Gardens at Hammersmith and
Bishops Park at Fulham provide pleasing promenades available to all as the Surrey bank is relatively open
retaining to some extent a rural aspect.
The river itself is used by various rowing clubs and schools and, of course, stages the Oxford and Cambridge
Boat Race and the Head of the River Race each spring.
Onlookers as well as participants have a very wide choice as the Borough is unique in housing three Football
League Clubs; Chelsea at Stamford Bridge; Fulham at Craven Cottage and Queens Park Rangers at Loftus
Road, Shepherd's Bush. The White City Stadium stages national and international athletics. Both the Queens
Club and Hurlingham Club stage major tennis tournaments, whilst the latter club claims the distinction of
being the home of croquet.
Olympia attracts thousands from all over the country to its famous exhibitions and shows, whilst the
B. B.C. Television Centre in Wood Lane, the Lime Grove Studios and the Television Theatre in Shepherd's
Bush providing entertainment for millions are household names.
Parks and open spaces are provided within the Borough. Approximately 204 acres are maintained by the
Borough Council. The G.L.C. maintains Wormwood Scrubs (190 acres).
There are eight Public Libraries within the Borough with over 53,800 registered readers borrowing some
2,000,000 books each year. A full reference information service is provided at the two main Libraries. In
addition, over 19,000 gramophone records covering all facets are available for loan.
Finally, advice and assistance is maintained to the public at all times of the day and night throughout the
year by means of the emergency service available on telephone no. 748 8588.
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