Acton, London
Encyclopedia
Acton is a district of west London
, England, located in the London Borough of Ealing
. It is situated 6.4 miles (10 km) west of Charing Cross
.
At the time of the 2001 census
, Acton, comprising the wards of East Acton, Acton Central, South Acton and Southfield, had a population of 53,689 people. North Acton
, West Acton
, East Acton
, South Acton
, Acton Green
, Acton Town and Acton Central are all parts of Acton.
Acton means "oak farm" or "farm by oak trees", and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ac (oak) and tun (farm). Originally an ancient village, as London expanded, Acton became absorbed into the city. Nowadays, Acton lies predominantly in the London Borough of Ealing
, although some of East Acton lies within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
, and a small portion of South Acton within the London Borough of Hounslow
. Acton is home to more railway stations than any other area of London; seven stations in the locality feature Acton in their name.
Central Acton lies on the former main road between London and Oxford
(the Uxbridge Road
) and several inns along it date back several centuries as stopping places for travellers. Nowadays, the principal route linking London and Oxford
(the A40
dual carriageway) bypasses central Acton, but passes through North Acton.
Towards the end of the 17th century several springs were found on the north-east side of Acton and, for a time, they became health spas. As a result of the local soft water Acton became famous for its laundries and at the end of the 19th century there were around 170 establishments in South Acton. These laundries would serve hotels and the rich in London's West End, leading to the nickname "soapsuds island".
The parish of Acton formed a local board of health
in 1865; becoming an urban district
in 1894. The town became incorporated as the Municipal Borough of Acton
in 1921. This authority combined with the municipal boroughs of Ealing
and Southall
to form the London Borough of Ealing, within Greater London
in 1965.
formed an urban district and, later, municipal borough of Middlesex from 1894 to 1965. Its former area was used to form part of the London Borough of Ealing in 1965.
During the 20th century Acton was a major industrial centre employing tens of thousands of people, particularly in the motor vehicles and components industries. The industries of North Acton merged with the great industrial concentrations of Park Royal
and Harlesden
. Further south Acton Vale
had famous names including Napier & Son
(engines), H. Bronnley & Co (Soaps), Evershed & Vignoles (electrical equipment), Lucas CAV (automotive electrical), Vandervell Products
(bearings), T. Wall & Son (Wall's Sausages and Wall's Ice Cream
) and Wilkinson Sword
(swords and razors). Acton is now principally residential, though it maintains some light industry, particularly in the northeast Park Royal area, and the south near the border with Chiswick. Waitrose
started in Acton, as Waite, Rose and Taylor - on the High Street near the police station - with its second branch opening in Churchfield Road
in 1913.
Acton is home to the largest housing estate in West London, the South Acton estate, with approximately 2,000 homes and 5,800 residents. This area is currently in the Phase 2 of a major 15-year phased regeneration which includes near-total demolition of the existing residential units, and the construction of new and more numerous residential units.
Since World War II
, Acton has had a small but notable population of Polish
immigrants. In recent years, a number of Antipodean immigrants have settled there; there are several Australia
n and South Africa
n pubs concentrated in a small area. A Japan
ese school has also attracted a Japanese community to West Acton. The Somali
community is concentrated around Church Road, and there are two mosques near the High Street. In addition, the Irish
community has diminished somewhat in recent years, but there are still a number of well-supported Irish pubs in the area.
, which runs north of and parallel to the High Street, is a range of pubs and restaurants, from the Churchfield near the level crossing to the Rocket, a gastropub and Lavelli's, a recently opened cafe and bread shop. Angela Malik has recently opened a cook school and deli and the Village Trading Shop offers coffee, cakes and a range of gifts. There are Lebanese, Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish bars and various restaurants including Kalinka and l'Oriental. Churchfield Road
also features a florist, a fishmonger, several specialist clothes and antique shops and many hairdressers.
The recently refurbished 'Mount' on Acton High Street hosts a Market on Friday and Saturday. Visitors can shop at stalls selling a range of produce, many stalls offering food to eat there or take away and many offering fruit, clothes, books and gifts.
Acton's library, swimming baths (built in 1904) and Town Hall are examples of tall Victorian municipal buildings that can be found along the High Street. Acton Swimming Baths will close on November 1st 2011 for a 3 year development project, replacing the existing 25 yard and 33 yard pools with a 25m 8 lane pool and a smaller, teaching swimming pool.
On the east end of Acton High Street is Acton Park, which features bowls facilities, a children’s play area, tennis courts and an art block. There is a cafe next to the bowling green selling meals as well as tea/coffee and cakes and ice cream.
, Twyford Church of England School, The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls
and Barbara Speake Stage School.
, East
, South
, West
, Central
, Mainline
and Town
. Four of these are on the London Underground
, two are on the London Overground
and one is on national rail, served by First Great Western
. Acton is the only town in London
to have all four of the points of the compass as Stations.
, led by then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone
, proposed to build a West London Tram
between Shepherd's Bush and Uxbridge town centre. It would have run along the A4020, the Uxbridge Road
, through Acton, Ealing, West Ealing, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes End. This proposed scheme was highly controversial and resulted in strong differences in opinion between TfL, who supported the scheme, and local councils throughout the proposed route, who all took a 'no tram' stance.
The West London Tram was finally scrapped when Prime Minister Gordon Brown
agreed that the long-awaited Crossrail
would go ahead in October 2007. Acton Main Line railway station
is said to be part of the Crossrail network once it's completed.
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England, located in the London Borough of Ealing
London Borough of Ealing
The London Borough of Ealing is a borough in west London.-Location:The London Borough of Ealing borders the London Borough of Hillingdon to the west, the London Borough of Harrow and the London Borough of Brent to the north, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to the east and the London...
. It is situated 6.4 miles (10 km) west of Charing Cross
Charing Cross
Charing Cross denotes the junction of Strand, Whitehall and Cockspur Street, just south of Trafalgar Square in central London, England. It is named after the now demolished Eleanor cross that stood there, in what was once the hamlet of Charing. The site of the cross is now occupied by an equestrian...
.
At the time of the 2001 census
United Kingdom Census 2001
A nationwide census, known as Census 2001, was conducted in the United Kingdom on Sunday, 29 April 2001. This was the 20th UK Census and recorded a resident population of 58,789,194....
, Acton, comprising the wards of East Acton, Acton Central, South Acton and Southfield, had a population of 53,689 people. North Acton
North Acton
North Acton is a place in West London, UK. It is part of Acton and on the edge of the industrial district of Park Royal. It is located in the London Borough of Ealing.-Commercial activity:...
, West Acton
West Acton
West Acton is a place in West London, UK. It is part of Acton. It is located in the London Borough of Ealing.-Tube Stations:* West Acton, Central Line...
, East Acton
East Acton
East Acton is a place in west London, England. It is partly in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and partly in the London Borough of Ealing...
, South Acton
South Acton, London
South Acton is a place in the town of Acton, West London, situated west of Charing Cross. At the time of the 2001 census, Acton, comprising the wards of East Acton, Acton Central, South Acton and Southfield, had a population of 53,689 people....
, Acton Green
Acton Green, London
Acton Green is a small neighbourhood in the London Borough of Ealing, in west London, England.-Tube Stations:* Chiswick Park, District Line...
, Acton Town and Acton Central are all parts of Acton.
Acton means "oak farm" or "farm by oak trees", and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ac (oak) and tun (farm). Originally an ancient village, as London expanded, Acton became absorbed into the city. Nowadays, Acton lies predominantly in the London Borough of Ealing
London Borough of Ealing
The London Borough of Ealing is a borough in west London.-Location:The London Borough of Ealing borders the London Borough of Hillingdon to the west, the London Borough of Harrow and the London Borough of Brent to the north, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to the east and the London...
, although some of East Acton lies within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is a London borough in West London, and forms part of Inner London. Traversed by the east-west main roads of the A4 Great West Road and the A40 Westway, many international corporations have offices in the borough....
, and a small portion of South Acton within the London Borough of Hounslow
London Borough of Hounslow
-Political composition:Since the borough was formed it has been controlled by the Labour Party on all but two occasions. In 1968 the Conservatives formed a majority for the first and last time to date until they lost control to Labour in 1971. Labour subsequently lost control of the council in the...
. Acton is home to more railway stations than any other area of London; seven stations in the locality feature Acton in their name.
Central Acton lies on the former main road between London and Oxford
Oxford
The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
(the Uxbridge Road
Uxbridge Road
Uxbridge Road is the name of the A4020 road in London. It starts at Shepherd's Bush Green and goes west towards Uxbridge. It passes through Acton, Ealing Broadway and Hanwell....
) and several inns along it date back several centuries as stopping places for travellers. Nowadays, the principal route linking London and Oxford
Oxford
The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
(the A40
A40 road
The A40 is a major trunk road connecting London to Fishguard, Wales and officially called The London to Fishguard Trunk Road in all legal documents and Acts...
dual carriageway) bypasses central Acton, but passes through North Acton.
History
The parish of Acton formed a local board of health
Local board of health
Local Boards or Local Boards of Health were local authorities in urban areas of England and Wales from 1848 to 1894. They were formed in response to cholera epidemics and were given powers to control sewers, clean the streets, regulate slaughterhouses and ensure the proper supply of water to their...
in 1865; becoming an urban district
Urban district
In the England, Wales and Ireland, an urban district was a type of local government district that covered an urbanised area. Urban districts had an elected Urban District Council , which shared local government responsibilities with a county council....
in 1894. The town became incorporated as the Municipal Borough of Acton
Municipal Borough of Acton
Acton was a local government district in Middlesex, England from 1865 to 1965.In 1865 the Local Government Act 1858 was adopted by the parish of Acton, and a twelve-member local board of health was formed to govern the area. The Local Government Act 1894 constituted the area an urban district, and...
in 1921. This authority combined with the municipal boroughs of Ealing
Municipal Borough of Ealing
Ealing was a local government district from 1863 to 1965 around the town of Ealing.A local board of health was formed for the southern part of the parish of Ealing, Middlesex, in 1863. In 1873 the board's area was extended to the rest of the parish....
and Southall
Municipal Borough of Southall
Southall was a local government district in the county of Middlesex, United Kingdom from 1891 to 1965. It consisted of the civil parish of Norwood....
to form the London Borough of Ealing, within Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
in 1965.
Development
ActonMunicipal Borough of Acton
Acton was a local government district in Middlesex, England from 1865 to 1965.In 1865 the Local Government Act 1858 was adopted by the parish of Acton, and a twelve-member local board of health was formed to govern the area. The Local Government Act 1894 constituted the area an urban district, and...
formed an urban district and, later, municipal borough of Middlesex from 1894 to 1965. Its former area was used to form part of the London Borough of Ealing in 1965.
During the 20th century Acton was a major industrial centre employing tens of thousands of people, particularly in the motor vehicles and components industries. The industries of North Acton merged with the great industrial concentrations of Park Royal
Park Royal
Park Royal is an area in northwest London, UK. It is the largest industrial and business park in London, occupying about , and is promoted commercially by the Park Royal Partnership...
and Harlesden
Harlesden
Harlesden is an area in the London Borough of Brent, northwest London, UK. Its main focal point is the Jubilee Clock which commemorates Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee....
. Further south Acton Vale
Acton Vale, London
Acton Vale is a district in London, England. It lies between Acton to the west, and Shepherd's Bush to the east....
had famous names including Napier & Son
Napier & Son
D. Napier & Son Limited was a British engine and pre-Great War automobile manufacturer and one of the most important aircraft engine manufacturers in the early to mid-20th century...
(engines), H. Bronnley & Co (Soaps), Evershed & Vignoles (electrical equipment), Lucas CAV (automotive electrical), Vandervell Products
Tony Vandervell
Guy Anthony "Tony" Vandervell was an English industrialist, motor racing financier, and founder of the Vanwall Formula One racing team.-Biography:Vandervell was the son of Charles Vandervell, founder of CAV, later Lucas CAV...
(bearings), T. Wall & Son (Wall's Sausages and Wall's Ice Cream
Wall's ice cream
Wall's is a United Kingdom-originated food brand, covering both meat products and ice cream, owned by Unilever. Founded in London in 1786 by butcher Richard Wall, it was acquired in 1922 by Lever Brothers, which became a part of Unilever in 1930. To avoid summer lay-offs due to the down turn in its...
) and Wilkinson Sword
Wilkinson Sword
Wilkinson Sword is a brand name for companies that make gardening tools and razors. Wilkinson Sword's origins are in the manufacture of swords. The company was founded in London in 1772. The brand is currently owned by Energizer Holdings. Past product lines have included guns, bayonets, and other...
(swords and razors). Acton is now principally residential, though it maintains some light industry, particularly in the northeast Park Royal area, and the south near the border with Chiswick. Waitrose
Waitrose
Waitrose Limited is an upmarket chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom and is the food division of the British retailer and worker co-operative the John Lewis Partnership. Its head office is in Bracknell, Berkshire, England...
started in Acton, as Waite, Rose and Taylor - on the High Street near the police station - with its second branch opening in Churchfield Road
Churchfield Road
For the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
in 1913.
Acton is home to the largest housing estate in West London, the South Acton estate, with approximately 2,000 homes and 5,800 residents. This area is currently in the Phase 2 of a major 15-year phased regeneration which includes near-total demolition of the existing residential units, and the construction of new and more numerous residential units.
Since World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Acton has had a small but notable population of Polish
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
immigrants. In recent years, a number of Antipodean immigrants have settled there; there are several Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n and South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n pubs concentrated in a small area. A Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese school has also attracted a Japanese community to West Acton. The Somali
Somali people
Somalis are an ethnic group located in the Horn of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula. The overwhelming majority of Somalis speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family...
community is concentrated around Church Road, and there are two mosques near the High Street. In addition, the Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
community has diminished somewhat in recent years, but there are still a number of well-supported Irish pubs in the area.
Leisure
The Acton High Street has a range of pubs which vary in theme and clientele. The Redback Tavern is a particularly popular pub for the many young Antipodeans and South Africans who live in and travel to the area. The newly opened 'Belvedere' on the High Street is the UK's first Polish pub run by a UK chain. More traditional pubs include the newly restored 'St George and the Dragon' on the High Street, which has earned Fancyapint.com's top 5-pint rating. The Red Lion & Pineapple (a Wetherspoons pub) is popular with all ages. Leading off Acton High Street is Acton Hill on the Uxbridge Road which is home to the very popular Thai Nice Restaurant and North China Restaurant. Thai Touch Therapy offering authentic Thai massage, The Chatsworth public house with beer garden and recently renovated Acton Hill Hotel complement other succcessful businesses on Acton Hill. On Churchfield RoadChurchfield Road
For the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
, which runs north of and parallel to the High Street, is a range of pubs and restaurants, from the Churchfield near the level crossing to the Rocket, a gastropub and Lavelli's, a recently opened cafe and bread shop. Angela Malik has recently opened a cook school and deli and the Village Trading Shop offers coffee, cakes and a range of gifts. There are Lebanese, Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish bars and various restaurants including Kalinka and l'Oriental. Churchfield Road
Churchfield Road
For the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
also features a florist, a fishmonger, several specialist clothes and antique shops and many hairdressers.
Acton's library, swimming baths (built in 1904) and Town Hall are examples of tall Victorian municipal buildings that can be found along the High Street. Acton Swimming Baths will close on November 1st 2011 for a 3 year development project, replacing the existing 25 yard and 33 yard pools with a 25m 8 lane pool and a smaller, teaching swimming pool.
On the east end of Acton High Street is Acton Park, which features bowls facilities, a children’s play area, tennis courts and an art block. There is a cafe next to the bowling green selling meals as well as tea/coffee and cakes and ice cream.
Secondary schools
Acton has four secondary high schools, Acton High SchoolActon High School
Acton High School & Centre For Media Arts is a state school located in Acton, London specialising in Media Arts.-Admissions:...
, Twyford Church of England School, The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls
The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls
The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls is a comprehensive, foundation secondary school for 1400 girls aged 11–18 years, located in the London borough of Ealing.-Admissions:...
and Barbara Speake Stage School.
Acton in popular culture
- South Acton is the site of actual housing estate featured in long running BBC sitcom Only Fools and HorsesOnly Fools and HorsesOnly Fools and Horses is a British sitcom, created and written by John Sullivan. Seven series were originally broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom between 1981 and 1991, with sporadic Christmas specials until 2003...
- although the script described the Trotters as living in PeckhamPeckhamPeckham is a district in south London, England, located in the London Borough of Southwark. It is situated south-east of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London...
. The tower block where Rodney and Delboy were supposed to be living is the real life Harlech Tower.
- The 1971 film Villain starring Richard Burton and Ian McShane clearly features Acton Central railway station in one of its sequences. Similarly another sequence in the same film shows the characters Danny and Inspector Matthews talking while on a train which they caught at Acton Central.
- Episode 1 of How the Other Half Lives, a Channel 4 documentary, shows the poverty of one family on the South Acton estate compared to living in the wealthy part of the country.
- Acton was the birthplace of The WhoThe WhoThe Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
, of which all members except Keith MoonKeith MoonKeith John Moon was an English musician, best known for being the drummer of the English rock group The Who. He gained acclaim for his exuberant and innovative drumming style, and notoriety for his eccentric and often self-destructive behaviour, earning him the nickname "Moon the Loon". Moon...
went to Acton High SchoolActon High SchoolActon High School & Centre For Media Arts is a state school located in Acton, London specialising in Media Arts.-Admissions:...
(then named Acton County Grammar School).
- Pete TownshendPete TownshendPeter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
's 1982 solo album, All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese EyesAll the Best Cowboys Have Chinese EyesAll the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes is the third official solo album by English rock musician and songwriter Pete Townshend. It was produced by Chris Thomas and recorded by Bill Price at Eel Pie, A.I.R. and Wessex studios in London...
, contained the track "Stardom in Acton" in reference to his home town, while the accompanying video was filmed on and around Acton High Street.
- In the episode of Alan Partridge Towering Alan, the character Mike Sampson is from Acton. He is a socially inept character who describes Acton as having "a few too many blacks."
- An episode of Chris MorrisChris Morris (satirist)Christopher Morris is an English satirist, writer, director and actor. A former radio DJ, he is best known for anchoring the spoof news and current affairs television programmes The Day Today and Brass Eye, as well as his frequent engagement with controversial subject matter.In 2010 Morris...
's spoof news program The Day TodayThe Day TodayThe Day Today is a surreal British parody of television current affairs programmes, broadcast in 1994, and created by the comedians Armando Iannucci and Chris Morris. It is an adaptation of the radio programme On the Hour, which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between 1991 and 1992...
featured a segment called 'The Pool', a documentary about "St. Lamb's Pool in Acton". The scene was shot in the Acton Swimming Baths.
- The Monty PythonMonty PythonMonty Python was a British surreal comedy group who created their influential Monty Python's Flying Circus, a British television comedy sketch show that first aired on the BBC on 5 October 1969. Forty-five episodes were made over four series...
sketch 'Bicycle Repair Man' was shot on Churchfield RoadChurchfield RoadFor the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
; part of the sketch 'Hell's Grannies' was shot on Acton High Street.
- The English indiepop act The Hit ParadeThe Hit ParadeThe Hit Parade is a British pop music group, based in London, England. Named after the NBC US television programme, Your Hit Parade, which was broadcast across America in the 1950s as a showcase of the best of chart music, The Hit Parade was formed in 1984, by three schoolfriends Raymond Watts,...
mentions Acton in their song Henry from 1993.
- Leo Sayer'sLeo SayerLeo Sayer is a British singer-songwriter, musician, and entertainer whose singing career has spanned four decades. Sayer became a naturalised Australian citizen in 2009. Sayer was a top singles and album act on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1970s...
1983 single Orchard RoadOrchard Road (song)"Orchard Road" is a song recorded by Leo Sayer for his album Have You Ever Been in Love.The song made number 16 on the UK Singles Chart in 1983.Its music was composed by Alan Tarney with the lyrics by Leo Sayer.-Misconception:...
in reality refers to Acton's Churchfield RoadChurchfield RoadFor the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
.
- In the TV series MinderMinder (TV series)Minder is a British comedy-drama about the London criminal underworld. Initially produced by Verity Lambert, it was made by Euston Films, a subsidiary of Thames Television and shown on ITV...
, Arthur Daley's car lot was by the railway bridge in The Vale with the door of the Winchester Club in Newburgh Road off Churchfield RoadChurchfield RoadFor the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
. The lock up was the rear part of a warehouse in North Acton. These locations were for the seventh series only.
- Acton Park often hosted filming for programmes such as Rose & Macaulay and The DealThe DealThe Deal is a 2003 British television film directed by Stephen Frears from a script by Peter Morgan, based in part upon The Rivals by James Naughtie...
. Other parts of Acton were used for The SweeneyThe SweeneyThe Sweeney is a 1970s British television police drama focusing on two members of the Flying Squad, a branch of the Metropolitan Police specialising in tackling armed robbery and violent crime in London...
and early episodes of The BillThe BillThe Bill is a police procedural television series that ran from October 1984 to August 2010. It focused on the lives and work of one shift of police officers, rather than on any particular aspect of police work...
.
- The first WaitroseWaitroseWaitrose Limited is an upmarket chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom and is the food division of the British retailer and worker co-operative the John Lewis Partnership. Its head office is in Bracknell, Berkshire, England...
store in the UK was in Acton. Originally called "Waite, Rose and Taylor", it opened in 1904, at number 263 Acton Hill. A metal plate commemorating this has been inserted into the pavement outside these premises as it was not possible to obtain permission from the current owners of the building to affix a plaque onto it.
- Scenes from the 1986 movie AliensAliens (film)Aliens is a 1986 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, William Hope, and Bill Paxton...
and the 1989 movie BatmanBatman (1989 film)Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl and Jack Palance...
were shot inside the disused Acton Power Station.
- The Ken Loach film Ladybird Ladybird was filmed at many sites around Acton including The Mount, the Town Hall, Vyner Road, Cumberland Park and parts of South Acton.
- Tom Savage a.k.a 'Fatso McFlinn', the famous folk singer, lived in Acton for a short period after the First World War.
- Musician M.I.AM.I.A. (artist)Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam , better known by her stage name M.I.A. , is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, painter and director of Sri Lankan Tamil descent. Her compositions combine elements of hip hop, electronica, dance, alternative and world music. M.I.A...
in interviews has hinted one of the meanings of her stage name is "Missing in Acton", with Acton being the place she grew up.
- Adam FaithAdam FaithTerence "Terry" Nelhams-Wright, known as Adam Faith was a Teen idol English singer, actor and later financial journalist. He was one of the most charted acts of the 1960s. He became the first UK artist to lodge his initial seven hits in the Top 5...
the pop singer, first lived at 4 Churchfield RoadChurchfield RoadFor the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
, from 1940, until about 1960.
- The band Art of Noise featured a track entitled "Acton Art" as a B-Side to their 12" Single release of "Dragnet".
- The band Carbon/SiliconCarbon/SiliconCarbon/Silicon is a punk rock duo consisting of two experienced punk rock musicians: Mick Jones formerly of The Clash and former Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik member Tony James. The band formed around 2002.-Career:...
recorded a track called "Acton Zulus" for their album, The Last Post.
- Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros played a gig in support of striking firefighters on November 15, 2002 at Acton Old Town Hall, and Mick JonesMick Jones (The Clash)Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
joined Strummer on stage, marking the first time they performed together since Jones's departure from The ClashThe ClashThe Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
.
- The Don LettsDon LettsDon Letts is a British film director and musician. He is credited as the man who through his DJing at clubs like The Roxy brought together punk and reggae music.-Biography:...
documentary about The Clash, 'Westway to the WorldWestway to the WorldThe Clash: Westway to the World is a 2000 documentary film about the British punk rock band The Clash. In 2003 it won the Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video....
', refers to the Westway (another name for that particular section of the A40), which runs through Acton
- Clash drummer Topper HeadonTopper HeadonHeadon was extensively interviewed for the Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten documentary film about the late Clash frontman. He related his experiences during this period, how he became addicted to heroin and how there were problems before his dismissal...
as a solo artist recorded a song called 'DuCane Road', named after a road in East Acton
- 1970's footballer Robin FridayRobin FridayRobin Friday was an English association football player who played professionally as a forward for Reading and Cardiff City during a career that lasted four years in the mid-1970s. Born and raised in Acton, west London, Friday was scouted, but not retained, by four professional clubs during his...
who played for ReadingReading F.C.Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
and Cardiff CityCardiff cityCardiff City may refer to:* Cardiff city centre* Cardiff City Council* Cardiff City F.C.* Cardiff City L.F.C.* Cardiff City Stadium...
was born in Acton. The cover of the Super Furry AnimalsSuper Furry AnimalsSuper Furry Animals are a Welsh rock band that lean towards psychedelic rock and electronic experimentation. Since their formation in Cardiff, Wales in 1993, the band has consisted of Gruff Rhys , Huw Bunford , Guto Pryce , Cian Ciaran and Dafydd Ieuan Super Furry Animals are a Welsh rock band...
' single "The Man Don't Give a FuckThe Man Don't Give a Fuck"The Man Don't Give a Fuck" is a song by Super Furry Animals, twice released as a single by the group.It is based round a sample from the Steely Dan song "Show Biz Kids" - "You know they don't give a fuck about anybody else"...
" featured a famous picture of him showing a V signV signThe V sign is a hand gesture in which the index and middle fingers are raised and parted, while the other fingers are clenched. It has various meanings, depending on the cultural context and how it is presented...
to Luton Town goalkeeper Milija AleksicMilija AleksicMilija Anthony Aleksic is an English former football goalkeeper.Released by Port Vale in 1969, he played for Eastwood before lifting the FA Trophy with Stafford Rangers in 1972. The next year he returned to the Football League with Plymouth Argyle, before he was signed by Luton Town in 1976...
while playing for Cardiff City.
- Actresses Emilia FoxEmilia FoxEmilia Rose Elizabeth Fox is an award-winning English actress, known for her role as Dr. Nikki Alexander on BBC crime drama Silent Witness, having joined the cast in 2004 following the departure of Amanda Burton. She also appears as Morgause in the BBC's Merlin beginning in the programme's second...
and Anna ChancellorAnna Chancellor-Family:Chancellor was born in Richmond, London, England, the daughter of the Hon. Mary Alice Jolliffe and John Paget Chancellor. Through her mother's mother, Lady Perdita Rose Mary Asquith, Chancellor is the great-granddaughter of The Hon. Raymond Aquith and the great-great-granddaughter of Prime...
and columnist and author Toby Young are among current (2010) prominent local residents.
- The family terraced home in which Jimmy Cooper, the lead character in The Who's film version of QuadropheniaQuadrophenia (film)Quadrophenia is a 1979 British film, loosely based around the 1973 rock opera of the same name by The Who. The film stars Phil Daniels as a Mod named Jimmy. It was directed by Franc Roddam in his feature directing debut...
lived, was located in Wells Home Road, Acton. It has since been demolished [incorrect - the house still stands and is occupied!], but was when left derelict, stripped of fixtures and fittings by devotees of the cult movie.
- Playwright/Composer Lionel BartLionel BartLionel Bart was a writer and composer of British pop music and musicals, best known for creating the book, music and lyrics for Oliver!-Early life:...
lived the latter part of his life in an apartment on Churchfield RoadChurchfield RoadFor the area in Sandwell, West Midlands see Churchfield, SandwellChurchfield Road, Acton, runs North of and parallel to Acton High Street. At the eastern end is the level crossing of Acton Central railway station after which it becomes East Churchfield Road...
, citing the area as the closest thing he could find to the community feel of the East London "of old".
- Sandra and Samantha Lawrence The Wee Papa Girl RappersWee Papa Girl RappersWee Papa Girl Rappers were a British female rap duo, who found chart success in the late 1980s. They were twin sisters Sandra and Samantha Lawrence.- Overview :...
were a British female rap duo, who came from Acton & lived in one of the tower blocks next to Acton Police Station, the picture on the back cover of their album was taken out side their block.
- Writer John MuckleJohn MuckleJohn Muckle is a British writer who has published works of fiction, poetry and criticism.Born in Kingston-upon-Thames, he grew up in the village of Cobham, Surrey, and has lived most of his adult life in Essex and London. After failing his eleven-plus, Muckle attended a local secondary modern...
's novel of motorcycle despatch riders 'London Brakes'(2010) is partly set and was largely written in Moreton Tower, Acton, in the 1980s.
Transport
Acton has seven railway stations, namely NorthNorth Acton tube station
North Acton tube station is in North Acton, west London in the London Borough of Ealing. The station is on the Central line of the London Underground, between East Acton and Hanger Lane...
, East
East Acton tube station
East Acton is a London Underground station in East Acton in west London. The station is on the Central Line, between White City and North Acton stations, and in Travelcard Zone 2...
, South
South Acton railway station
South Acton railway station is in the London Borough of Ealing in South Acton, west London. It is on the North London Line, and the station and all trains serving it are operated by London Overground. It is in Travelcard Zone 3...
, West
West Acton tube station
West Acton is a London Underground station between Ealing Broadway and North Acton on the Ealing Broadway branch of the Central Line, and is its only intermediate station. The station is a Grade II listed building. It is in Travelcard Zone 3. The station is close to North Ealing tube station on the...
, Central
Acton Central railway station
Acton Central railway station is on the North London Line, between and , in Travelcard Zone 3. It is also where trains change power supply from OHLE to 3rd Rail or from 3rd rail to OHLE depending on direction of travel.-History:...
, Mainline
Acton Main Line railway station
Acton Main Line railway station is a National Rail station in Acton in west London.It is the first National Rail station on the Great Western Main Line out of the terminus at London Paddington. The station is served by local trains operated by First Great Western between and...
and Town
Acton Town tube station
Acton Town is a London Underground station in Acton, west London, served by the Piccadilly and District lines. The station is at the junction of Gunnersbury Lane and Bollo Lane and is in Travelcard Zone 3.-Services:...
. Four of these are on the London Underground
London Underground
The London Underground is a rapid transit system serving a large part of Greater London and some parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex in England...
, two are on the London Overground
London Overground
London Overground is a suburban rail network in London and Hertfordshire. It has been operated by London Overground Rail Operations since 2007 as part of the National Rail network, under the franchise control and branding of Transport for London...
and one is on national rail, served by First Great Western
First Great Western
First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales....
. Acton is the only town in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
to have all four of the points of the compass as Stations.
Underground stations
- North Acton tube stationNorth Acton tube stationNorth Acton tube station is in North Acton, west London in the London Borough of Ealing. The station is on the Central line of the London Underground, between East Acton and Hanger Lane...
, Central LineCentral LineThe Central line is a London Underground line, coloured red on the tube map. It is a deep-level "tube" line, running east-west across London, and, at , has the greatest total length of track of any line on the Underground. Of the 49 stations served, 20 are below ground... - East Acton tube stationEast Acton tube stationEast Acton is a London Underground station in East Acton in west London. The station is on the Central Line, between White City and North Acton stations, and in Travelcard Zone 2...
, Central LineCentral LineThe Central line is a London Underground line, coloured red on the tube map. It is a deep-level "tube" line, running east-west across London, and, at , has the greatest total length of track of any line on the Underground. Of the 49 stations served, 20 are below ground... - West Acton tube stationWest Acton tube stationWest Acton is a London Underground station between Ealing Broadway and North Acton on the Ealing Broadway branch of the Central Line, and is its only intermediate station. The station is a Grade II listed building. It is in Travelcard Zone 3. The station is close to North Ealing tube station on the...
, Central LineCentral LineThe Central line is a London Underground line, coloured red on the tube map. It is a deep-level "tube" line, running east-west across London, and, at , has the greatest total length of track of any line on the Underground. Of the 49 stations served, 20 are below ground... - Acton Town tube stationActon Town tube stationActon Town is a London Underground station in Acton, west London, served by the Piccadilly and District lines. The station is at the junction of Gunnersbury Lane and Bollo Lane and is in Travelcard Zone 3.-Services:...
, District LineDistrict LineThe District line is a line of the London Underground, coloured green on the Tube map. It is a "sub-surface" line, running through the central area in shallow cut-and-cover tunnels. It is the busiest of the sub-surface lines. Out of the 60 stations served, 25 are underground...
and Picadilly Line
Railway stations
- Acton Central railway stationActon Central railway stationActon Central railway station is on the North London Line, between and , in Travelcard Zone 3. It is also where trains change power supply from OHLE to 3rd Rail or from 3rd rail to OHLE depending on direction of travel.-History:...
, London OvergroundLondon OvergroundLondon Overground is a suburban rail network in London and Hertfordshire. It has been operated by London Overground Rail Operations since 2007 as part of the National Rail network, under the franchise control and branding of Transport for London... - South Acton railway stationSouth Acton railway stationSouth Acton railway station is in the London Borough of Ealing in South Acton, west London. It is on the North London Line, and the station and all trains serving it are operated by London Overground. It is in Travelcard Zone 3...
, London OvergroundLondon OvergroundLondon Overground is a suburban rail network in London and Hertfordshire. It has been operated by London Overground Rail Operations since 2007 as part of the National Rail network, under the franchise control and branding of Transport for London... - Acton Main Line railway stationActon Main Line railway stationActon Main Line railway station is a National Rail station in Acton in west London.It is the first National Rail station on the Great Western Main Line out of the terminus at London Paddington. The station is served by local trains operated by First Great Western between and...
, First Great WesternFirst Great WesternFirst Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales....
Shelved tram proposals
Transport for LondonTransport for London
Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London...
, led by then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone
Ken Livingstone
Kenneth Robert "Ken" Livingstone is an English politician who is currently a member of the centrist to centre-left Labour Party...
, proposed to build a West London Tram
West London Tram
The West London Tram was a proposed on-street light rail line which was to run along the Uxbridge Road corridor in west London, England. The scheme was promoted by Transport for London but opposed by the councils of all three London Boroughs through which it would run...
between Shepherd's Bush and Uxbridge town centre. It would have run along the A4020, the Uxbridge Road
Uxbridge Road
Uxbridge Road is the name of the A4020 road in London. It starts at Shepherd's Bush Green and goes west towards Uxbridge. It passes through Acton, Ealing Broadway and Hanwell....
, through Acton, Ealing, West Ealing, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes End. This proposed scheme was highly controversial and resulted in strong differences in opinion between TfL, who supported the scheme, and local councils throughout the proposed route, who all took a 'no tram' stance.
The West London Tram was finally scrapped when Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown
James Gordon Brown is a British Labour Party politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 until 2010. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government from 1997 to 2007...
agreed that the long-awaited Crossrail
Crossrail
Crossrail is a project to build a major new railway link under central London. The name refers to the first of two routes which are the responsibility of Crossrail Ltd. It is based on an entirely new east-west tunnel with a central section from to Liverpool Street station...
would go ahead in October 2007. Acton Main Line railway station
Acton Main Line railway station
Acton Main Line railway station is a National Rail station in Acton in west London.It is the first National Rail station on the Great Western Main Line out of the terminus at London Paddington. The station is served by local trains operated by First Great Western between and...
is said to be part of the Crossrail network once it's completed.
Neighbouring places
- Chiswick
- Gunnersbury
- EalingEalingEaling is a suburban area of west London, England and the administrative centre of the London Borough of Ealing. It is located west of Charing Cross and around from the City of London. It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It was historically a rural village...
- Park RoyalPark RoyalPark Royal is an area in northwest London, UK. It is the largest industrial and business park in London, occupying about , and is promoted commercially by the Park Royal Partnership...
- Harlesden
- Shepherds Bush