An observer noted in 1886 that during the past three years over 800 houses had been built: ‘the transformation of ‘West End’, which was nothing but a quiet rustic nook, into ‘West Hampstead’ possessing hundreds of residences, is one of the most remarkable changes to be found in any London suburb.’ [Source: Kilburn and West Hampstead Past, by Dick Weindling and Marianne Colloms]