The name Acton means Oak Farm, it is of Anglo Saxon origin.
It was an ancient village mentioned in the Doomsday Book. In the 17th century springs were found and it became a spa town. Because of the soft water, local industry turned to laundry and by the end of the 19th century there were 170 laundries in South Acton, they served the rich and London hotels.
The first Waitrose store was opened in Acton in 1904 under the name of Waite, Rose and Taylor. A plaque is on the pavement commerating this as the building’s current owners refused permission for it to be fixed to the wall.
In 1870’s and 1880’s horse drawn trams were seen in Acton then in 1901-1936 the electric trams ran the length of Uxbridge Road. The first motorised buses arrived here in 1910.
Some of industry’s well known names were in production in Acton including Wilkinson who made swords and bayonets and later razor blades, Napier’s a famous car manufacturer. Walls Ice Cream and Nevilles bread factories were also in production in Acton.
Central Acton was on the former main road from London to Oxford. There were several inns built along the High Street centuries ago as resting places for travellers. Now the main route from London to Oxford is the A40 that by passes Central Acton but cuts through North Acton.
Acton has the largest housing estate in West London, it has 2,000 homes and houses 5,800 residents. The regeneration programme is to include demolition of the majority of estates and the rebuilding of many more homes.
There is a selection of pubs and restaurants along the High Street serving Korean, Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Portuguese and Spanish dishes.
Acton’s library, swimming bath and town hall are all beautiful examples of Victorian architecture, they are to be found in the High Street which is a conservation area.
Every Saturday there is a Farmer’s Market where can be purchased organic and outdoor reared meat, game, fish, preserves, fruit and vegetables and bread.
Acton Park, situated at the end of the High Street, has a bowling green, play area, an art block and tennis courts.
Property to rent is widely available at costs of £120-£175pw for a studio apartment, £180-£205pw for a l bed flat and £230-£310pw for a 2 bed flat.
There are plenty of shops in Acton and these include such names as Paris Angels, Anastasia, Atlantic Fashions, Retro Man, Armandi Basi, Gentlemens Corner All Sizes, Youth Camp, Urban Circuit, Tots, Takkoda, Gap, Angels Delight and Their Nibs.
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