North Hyde’s northern boundary is marked by the Grand Union Canal mainline, whilst the M4 motorway forms its southern border. The area primarily consists of large, semi-detached suburban properties.

A notable feature of North Hyde is Convent Way, an estate that offers a diverse mix of high-rise and low-rise housing options. This variety in housing types contributes to the area’s architectural landscape and caters to different housing needs.

Before the 18th century, North Hyde was part of the notorious Hounslow Heath.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Board of Ordnance established an Ordnance Depot at North Hyde, alongside the Grand Junction Canal. This decision was made to protect against potential seaborne attacks on coastal gun wharves and gunpowder magazines. The Board acquired 47 acres of land by the canal, with construction beginning in 1813 and taking four years to complete.

The depot initially comprised three magazines, each storing 6800 barrels of powder, along with ancillary buildings and a barracks for guards. The complex was enclosed by a canal branch, providing both defence and direct access for powder barges. By 1830, the depot stored 42 000 barrels of gunpowder. However, it closed in 1831, with the magazines soon demolished.

The canal branch, known as the Hanwell Loop, continued serving a brickworks on the site until at least the 1880s. It was gradually filled in during the first half of the 20th century.

In 1842, the Belgian Catholic order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy converted the former barracks into St Mary’s Orphanage for Roman Catholic boys. In 1914, it became an Industrial School, closing in 1934. The buildings were later demolished.


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