In the 18th century, Cricklewood and Childs Hill were both small settlements with Childs Hill being larger. Most of the dwellings in Cricklewood were situated on the Hendon side of the Edgware Road. By 1792, there were some new cottages at Dollis Hill. The area was divided between the parishes of Willesden and Hendon.
Despite its location on the important Roman road, Edgware Road, Cricklewood did not benefit from it. Several streams ran across the road, and one fed a horse pond opposite the Crown pub. As a result, even as late as 1798, the road was notorious for mud up to four inches deep after summer rain and nine inches deep in winter. It was also known for highway robberies.
Before the enclosure in 1823, which allowed farmers to enclose their land and claim common land, there was little development in the area. In 1815, the wasteland along Edgware Road was sold as suitable for building and by the early 1850s, several houses had already been built.
According to a description in 1845, Cricklewood was a village with few dwellings, mostly occupied by tradesmen of the metropolis. However, detached residences were being built at the northern end of the village, which was expected to improve and benefit the place.
Clockhouse Farm was sold for development in the 1890s.
