Category: History

This postcard shows Ashworth Mansions in 1910. Note the dark window frames, implausibly steep chimneys and the awnings on the first floor balconies. Elgin Avenue is a tranquil boulevard and the Plane Trees are mere saplings.  You can just about see the spire of St Mark’s Church, Hamilton Terrace, in the background.

203 Elgin Avenue, the only detached house on the street, is at the left foreground. Paul Mortimer Francke, a single barrister, lived there until his death following a bicycle accident on Maida Vale in 1929. It is likely to be his three servants that are standing on the steps.

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From the classified section of The Times Saturday 21 April 1906.

Note the rents are annual figures! Number 1 Ashworth Mansions was not a residential flat at the time. It was the office of Howell & Brooks, the then managing agents.