The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon Willesdune, meaning the Hill of the Spring,[6] and a Manor (landholding) bearing this name was recorded in 939 AD.

To the present day, Willesden has been shaped by the patterns of migration which marks it out as one of the most diverse areas in the United Kingdom.

In 1923, the specialist coach builder Freestone and Webb established their base in Willesden, producing bespoke cars on Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis until 1956.

A small Irish community had formed in Willesden by this time, which grew rapidly during the period of the Second World War.

A small Jewish community of refugees from Europe also formed during the war, with 3.5% of the population in 1951 born in Germany, Poland, Russia or Austria.

The area surrounding Willesden Green station has become more middle-class and gentrified with marked property price rises in 2014 and 2015.

[3][4] The Willesden Green ward is represented on Brent Council by three Labour councillors, Janice Long, Saqlain Choudry, and Tom Miller.

Willesden forms part of the Brent Central parliamentary constituency and is home to the local Labour Party MP Dawn Butler.

[17] Northbound Bakerloo line trains from Willesden Junction terminate at nearby Stonebridge Park, with some continuing towards Wembley Central and Harrow & Wealdstone.

Like the Bakerloo line, southbound services also pass through Central London, with trains to Paddington, Marylebone, Baker Street, Oxford Circus, Waterloo and Elephant & Castle.

[17]Several key routes pass through or around Willesden: Shepherd's Bush Hammersmith Paddington Harrow M4  for Heathrow Chiswick M1  for Luton Finchley M11  for Stansted Golders Green Maida Vale Paddington Marble Arch M1  for Luton Brent Cross Edgware A large bus garage was built in 1902 and thus, many bus routes start or run through the town.

To the north of Willesden, Quietway 3 runs unbroken between Gladstone Park and Shoot Up Hill on quiet, residential streets.

The route is coordinated by Transport for London (TfL) and is planned to extend eastbound into West Hampstead towards Regent's Park.

[19] A direct, traffic-free cycle route runs to the south of Willesden along the Grand Union Canal towpath.