Ealing's history is a rich tapestry that charts its evolution from a quiet corner of rural Middlesex to a bustling, influential London borough. Its story is one of transformation, shaped by transport, royalty, and even the silver screen.
Key Historical Milestones
The area is first recorded as 'Gillingas', meaning 'the people of Gilla', marking its Saxon origins. For centuries, it remained a small settlement in the great Forest of Middlesex.
The Domesday Book records Ealing (then 'Illing') as a small agricultural village with a handful of residents, primarily used for farming and pig-keeping.
The Great Western Railway arrives with the opening of Ealing Broadway station. This marks the beginning of Ealing's transformation, making it an accessible retreat for wealthy Londoners.
The District Railway (now the District Line) extends to Ealing, further cementing its status as a commuter suburb. The population begins to grow rapidly.
Ealing is officially granted a charter of incorporation, becoming the Municipal Borough of Ealing. Around this time, it earns its famous nickname: "Queen of the Suburbs".
Ealing Studios is established, which would go on to become the world's oldest continuously working film studio and the home of the iconic "Ealing Comedies".
The modern London Borough of Ealing is formed by merging the municipal boroughs of Ealing, Acton, and Southall.
The Queen of the Suburbs
The nickname "Queen of the Suburbs" was popularised by the borough surveyor, Charles Jones, in the early 1900s. It captured Ealing's unique appeal: a perfect blend of country charm and city convenience. Grand Victorian and Edwardian houses were built along wide, tree-lined avenues, surrounded by an abundance of parks and green spaces. This idyllic environment, combined with the new, fast rail links to central London, made Ealing the aspirational choice for London's growing middle class.
This legacy is still visible today in the architecture of the Mount Park Conservation Area and the preserved green spaces like Walpole Park and Ealing Common.
Ealing's Cinematic Legacy
No history of Ealing is complete without mentioning Ealing Studios. From the 1930s to the 1950s, the studio produced some of Britain's most beloved films, including 'The Lavender Hill Mob', 'Kind Hearts and Coronets', and 'The Ladykillers'. These comedies, known for their gentle satire and celebration of the underdog, helped define a certain kind of British identity. The studio continues to be a major force in film and television production today, cementing Ealing's place in global cultural history.