In 1896, Schweppes opened a large mineral water factory at the top of Wilberforce Road in West Hendon. It was a site chosen near an artesian well and because of its proximity to Edgware Road and the Midland Railway.
Deerfield Cottages were built for Schweppes's employees. St. John's school, West Hendon was enlarged to cater for the children of workers at the new Schweppes's factory and there were 359 pupils by 1906.
The original factory was situated behind a side branch of the Welsh Harp Reservoir which was infilled. The factory was expanded up to the Edgware Road after this.
