local history

3 Apr 2017

A story too far? Dr Toufar – librarian and man of mystery

From 1949-1969 Dr FA Toufar was employed as reference librarian at Ealing Central Library, then located in Pitzhanger Manor House, and he played an …

1 Mar 2017

Horsenden Hill: Saxons, spies and the odd surprise

Horsenden Hill stands tall at the heart of our borough – our largest open space and a part of life, but it is also …

21 Feb 2017

Pitzhanger: Revealing the past

Watch our video above and go on a little tour of discovery around Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, which is in the midst of a …

16 Feb 2017

Council staff a century ago: From pianists to roadmen

Just over a hundred years ago, Ealing Council employed a pianist for the public baths, wagon drivers and an ‘office boy’. Hours were often …

4 Jan 2017

The Montpelier Road murders

Montpelier Road is a quiet, residential street. Just over six decades ago, though, it was the scene of arguably one of Ealing’s worst crimes. …

19 Dec 2016

The Goodlet diaries: Week 52 – the final entry

Week 52 – the last part of our year-long serialisation of Goodlet’s diaries from 80 years ago, begins with our protagonist feeling rotten and …

12 Dec 2016

The Goodlet diaries: Week 51

Week 51, the penultimate entry of our serialisation, is dominated by a school play, more concerns about finances and visits to the library (pictured), …

5 Dec 2016

The Goodlet diaries: Week 50

Week 50 of Goodlet’s diaries is swept along by the sensational news of the king’s abdication and that his brother George (pictured above during a …

1 Dec 2016

Gunnersbury Park: Stately progress

Gunnersbury Park and its many historic buildings have been closed to the general public while a large and complex restoration has been taking place. …