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3
PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE BOROUGH
Hammersmith, the most westerly of the Metropolitan Boroughs, covers an
area of 2,282½ acres with 69 miles of roads. It is bounded on the South by the
Thames, on the North by Willesden, East by Fulham and Kensington, and West
by Brentford and Chiswick.
The subsoil in the northern section of the Borough is mainly clay whilst
in the south there is a layer of some 20 ft. of gravel over blue clay. There is
a variation of aproximately 120 ft. in elevation from the river to the northern
boundary, the lowest point in Upper and Lower Malls being 13 ft. above sea level.
There are more than 400 factories within the Borough of varied nature,
so that, apart from heavy industry, most trades are represented. This development
has undoubtedly been assisted by the excellent transport facilities available by
water, road and rail. Of equal importance to the industrialists and also to residents
are the comprehensive passenger transport services within the area; a time-table for
eighteen hours a day being provided, both by buses and London Transport trains
to most parts of London and surrounding districts.

The corresponding total figures for 1962 were 3,463 and 573. These details,
obtained by courtesy of the Manager of the Employment Exchange, Hythe House,
also cover part of the Borough of Kensington,
Hammersmith provides all the usual facilities for relaxation and recreation,
a total of 286 acres being given over to parks and open spaces. Swimming baths
are in Lime Grove, the small pool being open all the year round whilst the large
pool is open for the summer season only, being converted to a public hall from
October to April. An open air swimming pool, size 150 ft. x 75 ft., at Bloemfontein
Road provides facilities for swimming and sunbathing.
For the onlooker Hammersmith provides a wide and varied choice indeed.
Most week-ends the river along the Mall is a spectacle with racing eights, skiffs
and sailing boats from the various rowing and sailing clubs, practising and racing;
the highlights undoubtedly being the Oxford & Cambridge boat race and Head of
the River each Spring. The White City Stadium stages international athletics and
greyhound racing; Olympia attracts thousands to its well known exhibitions and
shows, whilst the B.B.C. Television Centre in Wood Lane and the Lime Grove
Studios, providing entertainment for millions, are household names.