The district of Hanwell is situated to the west of Central London, just west of Ealing.

There is archaeological evidence that the area was first settled in Saxon times, and it is believed that the name is derived from the Saxon words “Hana” meaning cock and “Wielle” meaning stream.

Despite the Grand Union Canal being built through the district in the late 18th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the area was really developed. For it was only when the Great Western Railway reached Hanwell in 1838 that the area’s population increased.

The district soon became a working class residential area, and today there is still a strong residential feel to the area. In 1926 the district of Hanwell was integrated into the Borough of Ealing.