Community of the Past

A common theme that ties together many of these interviews is a sense of familiarity and an almost familial bond shared by the people of Marylebone, allowing them to go beyond being a group of people simply inhabiting the same area, to being a true community. This especially rings true when reflecting on the community within which our interviewees grew up.

 

Though it may be hard to imagine, Marylebone High Street was not always the vibrant and energetic hub of activity that is it today. In the mid-1990s, the Howard de Walden estate invested in the regeneration of the Marylebone High Street, transforming the vacant storefronts and the quiet high street into a bustling “Marylebone Village,” filled with high-end businesses and retailers, such as The Conran Shop and Waitrose.

 

While this rejuvenation has welcomed new businesses and people to Marylebone, it has, of course, also brought significant change, as captured in these interviews.

Pat has lived in a Mews in Marylebone for decades. Though today, she doesn’t know as many of her neighbours, she remembers when the whole street joined together to watch – and sing along – the Proms.

Leda grew up in Marylebone, witnessing it change from a community where everyone knew one another, so a busy metropolitan area of London.

 

Martin grew up in Marylebone and discusses the Marylebone he remembers from his childhood.

The Marylebone High Street, today filled with luxury high end shops and restaurants, was once a place for small retailers and high-street stores.