Bayswater, a hamlet, in the parish of Paddington, Holborn division of the hundred of Ossulstone, county of Middlesex, 1 mile from Cumberland-gate, London, on the Uxbridge road. Bayswater, which may now be considered as a suburb to the metropolis, consists of several ranges of neat houses and of some handsome detached residences; it has been much increased by ranges of new buildings branching off from the main street towards the north and south, and is desirable as a place of residence from its vicinity to Kensington gardens, which are situated on the south. It is lighted with gas, and the inhabitants are supplied with water from a reservoir originally constructed for the use of Kensington palace, and subsequently granted to the proprietors of Chelsea water-works, on the condition that the supply of the palace should be regularly continued. Near the extremity of the hamlet is the principal entrance to the Hippodrome, recently established as a race-course by a proprietary holding 5000 shares of £10 each; the grounds comprise within the inclosure nearly 150 acres, called Victoria park, commanding from many points extensive and pleasing views of the surrounding country. Notting Hill is a continuous range of handsome buildings, between which are Shepherd’s Bush Norland-crescent has been erected. Sir John Hill, M.D., a voluminous writer, resided here many years, and cultivated the plants from which he prepared his medicines, on the spot now occupied by the proprietor of the Bayswater tea-gardens. An episcopal chapel was built by Mr. Edward Orme, in 1818.
Source: A Topographical Dictionary of England by Samuel Lewis Fifth Edition Published London; by S. Lewis and Co., 13, Finsbury Place, South. M. DCCC. XLV.
