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3
SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE BOROUGH
Hammersmith, the most westerly of the Metropolitan Boroughs, although
semi-industrial in character has the River Thames for its southern boundary and
is within easy reach of the many riverside beauty spots. The waterfront between
Chiswick Mall and Hammersmith Bridge offers even to-day an interesting change
from the usual daily surroundings with its many period places that contrast strongly
with the twentieth century dwellings. It is however a far cry from the old
coaching road to the Great West Road as we know it to-day—a Clearway with
the Fly-over constructed by the most up-to-date methods.
All those activities that are part of modern urban life can be found in
Hammersmith, from the processing of raw materials in factories to the retailing of
the finished article in the fine shops of the Borough.
There is a variation of approximately 120 ft. in the elevation of the Borough
from the southern boundary at the River Thames to the northern boundary. The
highest point is at the junction of Scrubs Lane and Harrow Road (133 feet above
Mean Sea Level at Newlyn. Cornwall), and the lowest at points in the Lower and
Upper Malls (13 ft. above Mean Sea Level).
The Borough has an estimated population for 1961 of 108,010, and an area
of 2,282.5 acres of which 286 acres are given over to parks and open spaces.
There are approximately 70 miles of roads, most of which carry the very heavy
traffic that is such a feature of life to-day.
Apart from the residents, many people come to Hammersmith for relaxation;
athletics are to be found at the White City Stadium; and exhibitions of all kinds
are held at Olympia. Excellent transport service facilitates these events. The
new B.B.C. Television Centre in Wood Lane provides entertainment for millions.