IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
UB3 1WE

Glimpse of Royal Mail building at Hayes.

Although the advertising flag on the side optimistically offers business units to let, this Edwardian works building (from 1909 according to the plaque above the main entrance) appears to be in a sorry state with many broken and boarded up windows. The leaning lamp post at the right hand end only adds to the general air of dereliction.

The subject of this image is the brick building on the right. It is known as the Benlow Works. The original purpose of the factory was to produce 'Aeolian Orchestrelle' organ players (like pianolas but with pipes). A bit of a sorry sight now, with broken windows and downpipes etc. Listed Grade II. From the listing details: "Orchestrelle factory, now factory. 1909-11. Reinforced concrete frame by E P Wells; brick exterior by Walter Cave. 4 storeys; 19-bay elevation. Entrance bay, 7th from left, has semi-circular stepped brick architrave to doorway and segmental-arched metal casements flanked by rusticated pilasters slightly set forward and breaking parapet. Similar segmental-arched casement windows. Striking elevation articulated by brick piers and full-height semi-circular arched stepped architraves framing alternate single and double bays, the latter with broad Diocletian windows to 3rd storey which are set above central brick piers. Crenellated parapet. Similar rear and side elevations. Interior: floors and roof supported on reinforced concrete columns with step-chamfered arrises."

Crossing the Grand Union Canal in Hayes.

Along the Grand Union Canal in Hayes.

This is the main line from Paddington to the West Country. It is next to the Nestlé Factory which is behind the wall on the left of the photo.

The section of the Grand Union Canal through Hanwell Locks and Hayes from the River Thames at Brentford was opened in 1794. It was the first section of what was originally called the Grand Junction Canal. Its purpose was to provide a new, shorter and quicker transport route between London and Birmingham by connecting with a network of canals at Braunston near Daventry. When the canal reached Braunston in 1805 it cut 60 miles off the shortest alternative route. This is between Bull's Bridge, where the Paddington Arm joins the main line, and Station Road, Hayes. Just ahead the towpath passes under the railway out of Paddington.

This rail bridge takes the Great Western Main Line between Paddington and the west. The chimneys behind are wreathed in steam.