Why Southall?

Why Southall?

Ever just got of a train and just walked?  That’s what we did … two stops from Heathrow we found Southall High Street, a wonderful mix of Asian cultures with clothing, gold and take-a-way food outlets.

10 interesting facts 

1.    Southall is Anglo-Saxon for “at the south corner of a wood”

2.    The Manor House on “the Green” was built in 1587.

3.    Located on the Grand Union Canal

4.    Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the Great Western Railway Wharncliffe viaduct here 1856

5.    Centre for brick making, ceramics, soap and the world’s biggest margarine factory!

6.    Film studios were located here and AEC “red” buses built for 50 years

7.    Was a target for V1 flying bombs during WW2 many bomb shelters were built. The one located under Hamborough Primary School survives.

8.    Race riots in the 70’s resulted in the death of Gurdup Singh Chaggar.

9.    Known as “Little India” it has a big Sikh community and Gurdwara Sri temple is largest 

outside Asia.

10.Les Ferdinand played for the local FC, Cleo Lane developed her voice, Hayley Mills lived quietly and Carole Middleton dreamed of being “the Queen’s Mum”.

Southall, on the main line to London and worth a stop.