by Dorothee Schröder
One of London’s Oldest Settlements
Hampstead, in north London, is among the capital’s oldest inhabited areas, with settlement dating back at least to Anglo-Saxon times. It lies mainly within the London Borough of Camden and partly within the London Borough of Barnet.
The Meaning of the Name
The name is believed to derive from the Anglo-Saxon word for “homestead”.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead is famous for its Heath, a vast area of parkland stretching towards Highgate. From Parliament Hill, one of London’s most popular viewpoints, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline.
A Village Atmosphere
Beyond its busy high streets, Hampstead retains a distinct village character, with narrow lanes, some still cobbled, and elegant historic houses.
A Home for the Famous
With some of the most expensive property in London, Hampstead has long attracted notable residents. Among them have been Sigmund Freud, Agatha Christie, T. S. Eliot, Elizabeth Taylor, Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman.
A Political Address
Since 2004, Hampstead has been home to more Prime Ministers and millionaires than any other area in the UK.
Museums and Historic Houses
The area offers several notable museums and historic houses, including Fenton House, the Freud Museum, Burgh House, Keats House and Kenwood House.
Characterful Pubs
Hampstead is well known for its historic pubs, such as the Spaniards Inn, The Holly Bush and the King William IV — all of which come with their own ghost stories.
A Distinct Political Identity
After the Brexit referendum result, Hampstead was frequently portrayed as an archetype of the kind of area that had voted to remain in the European Union.
A Film Location
Hampstead’s streets and the Heath have often served as a backdrop for exterior scenes in films such as The Killing of Sister George (1968), An American Werewolf in London (1981) and The Wedding Date (2005). Interior scenes for productions including Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) and Notting Hill (1999) were filmed here as well.
Cover picture: View from Hampstead Heath (Photograph: Dorothee Schröder)
