Welcome to the Little Ealing History Group website. We are a group of local residents interested in researching the history of the Little Ealing area, which is within the London borough of Ealing.

Our book is available.

An American President in Ealing
The John Quincy Adams Diaries 1815-1817

John Quincy Adams lived in this area with his family during the period 1815 to 1817 when he was the US representative to Britain. Later he became the sixth president of the United States.

Adams kept a diary throughout his life and our book is based on his writings during his period living in Little Ealing. They give a fascinating insight into the life of the family and the local community in the early 19th century. We have researched the wider background to life in the area at the time and the people who lived here. Chapters cover the Adams’ family life; local residents; social events and fairs; sickness and health; social conditions; religion and education.

The book is packed with historical information and illustrations. Whether you are interested in local history, or in British or American history generally, we are sure you will enjoy reading this book as much as we enjoyed writing it!

“An extraordinarily rich tapestry, weaving together international relations, diplomacy, economics, social and local history, and the human story of John Quincy Adams and his family. But the golden thread running through the whole book is a deep knowledge and love of what life was like in Ealing and its sister villages in the first decades of the 19th century. Beautifully written and carefully crafted, this little historical gem is a must read”.
Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair Pitzhanger Manor Trust, former British Ambassador to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

More details of the content of the book and how to order it are here.

An article about Adams time in Ealing, written by Mary Woods, was published in the Spring 2015 issue of Around Ealing, which you can download.

We welcome comments and contributions using the contact form.