Pictures of Ealing

About Ealing

Ealing is a suburb of London, England's capital City. It is a thriving place which is now hugely cosmopolitan and has a wide range of multi-cultural offerings. Pubs, inns, cafe's and restaurants appear plentiful, along with good hotels and shops.

It is home to the renowned Ealing Film Studios, where many of the classic comedies of the last century were made. Noted stars of the past made their film debut at Ealing including such stars as Margaret Lockwood, Madeleine Carroll, Gloria Swanson and Lawrence Olivier. The golden age of British movies was born at Ealing with films all to numerous to mention in one short article but these include the memorable " It always rains on Sunday" and " The loves of Joanna Godden". Famous directors such as Carol Reed learnt their craft at Ealing, and the studio was headed by Sir Michael Balcon, of whom it is often said was responsible for not only pushing the British film industry into the global market place, but also for the studio's friendly atmosphere. Following a change of fortunes when the film industry fell into decline, the studios were sold in 1955 to the BBC. Today, they are used for the production of both film and television.

Ealing is also home to the Thames Valley University and the West London College, both have fine reputations. The College is the place were three members of "Queen" first met, these being the legendry Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor. Popular shops can be found, and some quite exceptional pubs, particularly along the Grand Union Canal and the near by River Brett. Ealing Common is a pleasant place to walk, here you can see fine examples of Victorian architecture.

The spiritual needs of the wider community are met by a large number of churches of all faiths, these include the Anglican Church of All Saints built in 1905, and St. Martins Church. Other community churches include, Baptist, Christadelphian, Pentecostal, Methodist, Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, a United Reform Church and a place of worship for the Salvation Army.

Over the years the population of Ealing has dramatically increased, and the green of Ealing may be somewhat faded, save for the fresh green "lungs" of lovely Walpole Park, where visitors enjoy lovely trees, water, wildlife and a rich display of exotic plants. A number of events are held in the park, a highlight of which is the Jazz Festival.

There was a time in the 19th century when the area was full of gardens. It was then dubbed "Queen of the Suburb's" it remains very much a pleasant residential area with many old and new cultures, customs and traditions.