The Butts

Brentford has a tremendously long history and despite the fact that it isn't the most salubrious location in West London these days it does have it's posh bit.

The Butts houses the biggest and most architecturally refined buildings. In this shot the house on the left is late Georgian, those to the right follow on from then.

The Butts in Brentford, like others around the country, was so named because this was the area that the archery targets, (butts), were placed for the locals to practice their skills with bow and arrows. Henry VIII was so unimpressed with the skills of the british archer that he commanded all towns and villages to hold practice sessions. The name, The Butts came into general use for this square from 1596.

Now, it's where the rich and famous people live. Well, I can't guarantee each house has a famous resident but I do know one has. I shall perhaps get to blip him at a point in the future.

For those who want to read more on the history of Brentford this site is impressively comprehensive and I suspect would also allow you to search for your locale as well.