User:Richardguk/NW postcode area

The NW (North Western) postcode area, also known as the London NW postcode area, is a group of postal districts covering part of north west London, England. It is the successor of the NW sector, originally created as part of the London postal district in 1856.

History
The London postal arrangements were further refined in 1917 when the sub-districts (as appended to postal addresses) were given new alpha-numeric identities for public use; the districts usually cover a wider area than their names might suggest. As of 2004, the district names do not form part of the postal address.

Coverage
The boundaries of the area and its numbered districts have changed over time and are the result of the working requirements of the Post Office. They are not tied to those of the local authority areas served; consequently a locality name might describe varying areas.

The postcode area contains large parts of the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent and Camden with minor (some very small) parts of the City of Westminster, the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham and Ealing, and Hertsmere District. The remainder of north west London is covered by the HA, UB, part of the EN and a small section of WD postcode areas.

The NW7 district extends to the Greater London boundary with Hertfordshire and follows that boundary for a short distance near Scratch Wood.

Adjacent areas
Clockwise from the east, the adjacent postcode areas are: N (London N), EC (London EC), WC (London WC), W (London W), HA (Harrow), WD (Watford), EN (Enfield).