Formerly a peaceful farming community, surrounded by rolling fields and tall, elegant trees the Borough of Ealing has evolved significantly over the last couple of centuries. During the 1830s the Great Western Railway was built. This consequently led to the opening of a railway station on Ealing Broadway in 1838. Thereupon attracting the middle classes to the town. So that they could enjoy the benefits of the countryside. What’s more the benefits of a convenient commute into London for work. To that end it led to more spacious semi-detached family homes being built over the following decades. Additionally, during this early Victorian period, the area received its new status and became a town.
Until 1901, the area was part of Middlesex, but was the first borough to receive a charter. In light of this, they elected their first mayor, Alderman William Henry Charles Groome. Henceforth, earning the nickname, ‘Queen of Suburbs’.
During 1965 the area was enveloped by London’s expanding borders, so that the town became part of Greater London. In spite of this Ealing is still fondly known as the Queen of Suburbs. In the same way the Council’s logo still depicts an image of a tree as homage to its ‘green’ roots.
Undoubtedly, the Borough is still one of the greenest boroughs in London, with picturesque tree lined streets, parks and greens. By all means, please visit the music festivals held during the summer at Walpole Park. Additionally, the fair, circus and Thai Food Fesitval, held on the Common.
The Borough is made up of seven towns:
Acton (W3)
Ealing (W5, W13, NW10)
Greenford (UB6)
Hanwell (W7)
Northolt (UB5)
Perivale (UB6)
Southall (UB1, UB2)
The town boasts a theatre, as well as two cinema complexes. There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants, and a number of independent and chain stores.
There are a variety of nurseries and schools to choose from. https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201117/schools_and_colleges
West London College have a site at Ealing Green College, next to the Green. https://www.wlc.ac.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjK6vnsa4iAMVMplQBh2fnTpgEAAYASAAEgJc-PD_BwE
West London University is located on St Mary’s Road. https://www.uwl.ac.uk/
We can’t mention Ealing without a nod to the iconic film studios, located near Ealing Green. A bit more about this below.
Close to fantastic transport links, including the M4 and M40 motorways, with further access to the M3, M1 and M25. There are several stations, including Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, South Ealing, Ealing Common, Northfields and Hanwell. These offer access to overground trains, the Elizabeth Line and the District, Central and Piccadilly tube lines. There are numerous buses with routes into London and the surrounding area. That’s not all, the Thames meanders past Kew and Brentford, just down the road. The Grand Union Canal, starting at Brentford flows past neighbouring Hanwell on its route to Birmingham.
Yes, we understand why people love living in the Queen of Suburbs!
Dating back to 1902, Ealing Studio is the oldest film studio in the world. Renowned for old classics, such as The Ladykillers, Whiskey Galore and the Carry On Films. Modern favourites Downton Abbey, Bridget Jones, Notting Hill and the Black Mirror Series have been filmed there. Many recording artists have also recorded their music at Ealing Studios. These include Adele, Beyonce, Rhianna, Sam Smith, Tinie Tempah and Zayn Malik.
Pioneering film producer, Will Barker bought the iconic White Lodge, in 1902. It was bought by General Film Renters in 1920, after Barker retired. Film Producer, Micheal Balcon took over the studios in 1938. However, in 1955 the BBC bought the studios using this as a base for their film department. In 2000 the studios were taken over by a consortium, including Fragile Films and the Manhattan Loft Corporation. To date they have invested over £20 million, updating the site, whilst still preserving the Art Deco style.
Ealing Studios are located on the Green, adjacent to Walpole Park and just a short walk from the Broadway. https://ealingstudios.com/
The neighbourhood has been home to many interesting and famous people over the years, including Royalty, Hollywood stars, inspiring sports people, rock and pop legends, politicians and presenters.
We thought we would share a few of those famous neighbours with you. Please feel free to contact us to share your stories.
Prince Edward made the town fashionable when he moved to Castle Hill Lodge on Castlebar Hill in 1801. Prince Edward was the Duke of Kent and father to Queen Victoria.
Spencer Perceval, the only British Prime Minister to have been assassinated lived in Elm Grove Road, next to Ealing Common.
Hollywood Star, Charlie Chaplin spent his childhood in Ealing after being sent to the Cuckoo Schools in Hanwell. This is now the home of Hanwell Community Centre, Westcott Crescent.
The inspiring ballerina, Dame Margot Fonteyn, moved here as a child. Dame Margot took her first ballet lessons at a school near Ealing Common, run by Grace Bosustow.
Sid James, star of the much loved Carry On films, shot to fame after appearing in the epic movie, Lavender Hill Mob filmed at Ealing Studios. Sid lived on Gunnersbury Avenue.
Sir Steve McQueen, award winning director of Twelve Years A Slave, grew up in Ealing. Steve attended Little Ealing Primary School and Drayton Manor High School, before transferring to West London College.
Legendary Liverpool striker, Peter Crouch grew up in Pittshanger Village. Peter went to North Ealing Primary School and then attended Drayton Manor High School.
The inspiring young Arsenal player, Bukayo Saka was born in Ealing. Bukaya attended Edward Bethan Church of England Primary school and Greenford High school, and went on to achieve four A* and three As.
World No. 1 tennis player, Fred Perry moved to Brentham Garden Suburb in Ealing. Fred spent his time practising his skills on the public tennis courts near the housing estate. He was educated at Ealing Grammer School for boys.
The husky voiced singer, Dusty Springfield lived in Kent Gardens, West Ealing during the 1950s. Dusty attended St Anne’s Convent School in Northfields and later worked for Bentalls Department store in Ealing Broadway.
Frontman of British funk and acid-jazz band Jamiroquai, Jason ‘Jay’ Kay lived in Grange Road. Jay performed some of his first gigs at The Haven Pub, Spring Bridge Road and Broadway Boulevard, later known as Club Karma.
John Vie, bass guitarist for Fleetwood Mac was born here and wrote songs in the back room of a house on Lammas Park Road. John went to Walpole Grammar School back in the day.
Talented actor, Alan Rickman, universally known for JK Rowlings most misunderstood character, Severus Snape. Alan was brought up in Acton by his mother.
The flamboyant comedian and TV presenter, Julian Clary moved here when he was a child and attended St Benedict’s Grammar School. Julian has often returned to Ealing to appear at the Ealing Comedy Festival.
Comedian, actor and broadcaster of Goodness Gracious Me fame is Sanjeer Bhaskar. Sanjeer was born in Ealing and later moved to live above a launderette in Hounslow.
Konnie Huq, Blue Peter’s longest serving female presenter grew up in Ealing. Konnie still lives here with her husband, Charlie Brooker, creater of Netflix series, Black Mirror. Of course her older sister is Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton since 2015.
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