Feltham

Once the residence of Queen, the band, not the monarch, the 1000 year old town of Feltham has a rural history still reflected today. Now part of the London Borough of Hounslow in West London, with a busy and modern High Street, it is still one of London's greenest areas with three rivers running through the town. Even the name is suggestive of fields, as it is thought that Feltham originates from Feltaha, meaning Field Home or Home in the Fields.

A disastrous fire in 1634 burnt all previous records but a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 testifies the town's history. The parish Church of Saint Dunstan, whose claim of fame was as the one time Archbishop of Canterbury, has records of priests as far back as 1322, giving further evidence of a lengthy history.

Agriculture was the main employer bar two gun powder mills found in the north of town. Market gardening was a particularly important use of the land, climaxing in a variety of pea being named after the town, "Feltham First", developed by A.W. Smith, part of the Smith family who bought many of the local farms for vegetable growing.

With the arrival of the railway in 1884, Feltham became accessible from the city of London and many gentry moved to this leafy green area, to enjoy the country life during the weekend whilst still working in the City during the week. Large houses began to appear to accommodate the newest arrivals.

Expansion continued after the First World War, industry hit the town and agriculture began to take a back seat. Feltham became home to the second largest railway marshalling yard in England and was home to the manufacturing of the Feltham Tram which ran down many tracks, although not within the town itself. Aircraft manufacture also became an important part of the economy. An Army Depot grew here between wars and the town also became a garrison during World War II. With all this activity, Germany made it a target during the war on several occasions.

The latter half of the twentieth century saw a decline in its fortunes and planners lacking in vision put up concrete tower blocks, as was the trend at the time. The attractive St. Catherine's Church was also hit by the current fashions during this period and all that remains now is the Spire, known as Feltham's Folly. The church itself is used as Council offices.

The twenty first century is seeing an improved outlook for this once charming town. With its convenience to Hounslow Heath, its own Country Park created from old gravel pits and the popular open space at the site of one of London's first airfields, London Air Park, this town has much to offer. Currently undergoing a regeneration project, a new lease of life is being breathed into the town. With its transformed High Street and the centre, new businesses are flocking to locate. Community is strong here and the town boasts a community centre, an Assembly Hall, community schools and a community college. With its own football club, cinema, leisure facilities and a wealth of shops, not to mention its convenient location to the city of London, Feltham is an area that deserves a second and a third, visit.

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