Paddington, nestled in the heart of central London's City of Westminster, stands as a testament to centuries of urban evolution. Most notably recognized for its iconic Paddington station, a masterpiece designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1847, this district also houses the prestigious St Mary's Hospital and the historic former Paddington Green Police Station. Modern developments like Paddington Waterside are breathing new life into former railway and canal lands, while surrounding neighborhoods including Maida Vale, Westbourne, and Bayswater with Lancaster Gate add to its diverse character.

The area's rich history stretches back to Anglo-Saxon times, with the earliest references to "Padington" appearing in tenth-century land grants to Westminster monks by Edgar the Peaceful. Though these documents' authenticity is debated, they paint a picture of early settlement patterns. Historical speculation suggests that a Saxon community, led by a chieftain named Padda, established itself at the crossroads of major Roman thoroughfares - the Edgware Road (Watling Street) and the Harrow and Uxbridge Roads.

Westminster Abbey's ownership of Paddington, confirmed by Plantagenet monarchs in 1222, marked a significant period in its development. The presence of a chapel and farm during this era is well-documented, while records from 1168 to 1485 reveal the activities of early tenant farmers Richard and William de Padinton and their descendants. This ecclesiastical ownership would continue until the dramatic changes brought by Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.

Following the crown's seizure of Paddington's lands, King Edward VI transferred ownership to the Bishop of London in 1550. This ushered in an era of agricultural leases to various tenants and city merchants. Among these notable residents was Thomas North, whose English translation of Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" in 1579 would later influence Shakespeare, who was said to have performed in taverns along the Edgware Road.

The late Elizabethan and early Stuart period saw the Small family emerge as prominent figures in Paddington's development. Nicholas Small, a successful clothworker, and his wife Jane occupied the manor house, which was substantial enough to later accommodate Sir John Popham, the attorney general. During this time, the area also saw the establishment of Blowers Inn, marking Paddington's gradual transformation from rural holdings to an increasingly urbanized district.

Your Direct Link to Western Britain and Heathrow

Paddington Station stands as London's iconic western railway hub, providing essential connections to West London, the Thames Valley, South West England, South Wales, and Heathrow Airport. Serving more than 30 million passengers yearly, we deliver efficient rail services through Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express.

Key Features and Services

• •Premium Connections: Fast services to major destinations including Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff, Bath, and Cornwall, plus direct 15-minute transfers to Heathrow Airport
• •Central Location: Integrated with London Underground via Paddington station, serving four tube lines, with convenient access to the new Elizabeth Line for cross-London travel
• •Historic Architecture: 14 platforms housed within Brunel's magnificent Victorian trainshed, combining heritage architecture with modern facilities and retail options
• •Modern Development: Part of the ambitious Paddington Basin regeneration project, featuring new retail, dining, and entertainment options in a waterside setting
• •Full Facilities: Step-free access throughout, secure bicycle storage, modern washrooms, diverse shopping outlets, and the famous Paddington Bear statue in the main concourse