Ealing

Renowned for the legendary Ealing studios, the borough of Ealing lies in the heart of west London.  Ealing has a diverse culture and is a lively place, with plenty to see and do. Ealing is twinned with Marcq-en-Baroeul in France and Kreis Steinfurt in Germany.  

Ealing is only 20 minutes from the West End.  Ealing Borough has a population of 301,553 according to the 2001 census, ethnic minorities make up over a third of Ealing's population.    

The seven districts of the borough are Ealing, Hanwell, Acton, Southall, Greenford, Perivale and Northolt. These developed from eight Saxon villages and settlements. Originally under the shire of Middlesex, the borough was rural, with a small population. Greenford, Northolt, Hanwell and Acton were mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086.

Huge changes in transport, particularly the building of the Great Western Railway in 1838, urbanised the rural district of Ealing. This provided a cheap method of getting into central London. A Victorian suburb emerged, with houses for office workers, high streets, factories and warehouses.

Ealing Film Studios

In 1904, William George Barker, an established film producer moved to Ealing Green. There he set up Barker Motion Photography and within eight years they became the largest studios in England. The Studio's peak was during the 40s and early 50s, with successful productions like the Ealing Comedies. In 1955 the studios were sold to the BBC who used them mainly for producing TV programmes. Today, the studios are no longer owned by the BBC but are used by production companies.

Ealing is a commuter's paradise. On its doorstep lies central London, accessed by the Central, District and Piccadilly tube lines. The rail network provides access to Reading, Slough and Paddington. The nearest airport is Heathrow; just eight miles away. Stansted and Gatwick airports are reached through the M25. The Victorians moved to Ealing because of its ideal location, an aspect that remains very desirable today.