London Borough of Havering

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About London Borough of Havering

Photographs taken in the London Borough of Havering including Romford, Rush Green, Gidea Park, Ardleigh Green, Rise Park, Hornchurch, South Hornchurch, Upminster, Cranham, North Ockendon, Rainham, Wennington, Elm Park, Emerson Park, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Harold Park and Havering-atte-Bower.

Havering was carved out of Essex in 1965 and ceased to be postal Essex in the 1970s but many residents still put Essex on their address.

The borough is a conurbation of old villages - many with Norman churches such as Rainham or Wennington. Romford was actually moved to its present market site in the 14th century while its previous site was marked by the 'Old Church' which was later developed into a workhouse and the hospital of Oldchurch.

At the hilly north end of the borough was Saxon King Edward the Confessor's palace and his queen's bower, which gave rise to Havering atte Bower.

There are several connections with the Saxon King Harold which gave rise to Harold Hill and Harold Wood. Harold Park is a recent creation - for those home owners who desperately wished their Harold Hill homes were in Harold Wood!

Gidea Park is a relatively recent creation, the area being previously called Hare Street.

Gallows Corner, the major roundabout and flyover, was once the site of the only double gibbet in Essex - hanged bodies were displayed to deter highwaymen and footpads.

Famous residents have included Joe Brown [of the Bruvvers], Jimmy Greaves, actor Victor Maddern and 1966 World Cup star Geoff Hurst.

Infamous residents have included Captain Thomas Blood, the man who tried to steal the Crown Jewels from King Charles II. He was running an apothacary shop near South Street, Romford when he carried out the attempted robbery in 1671.

The Golden Lion in South Street, Romford, was once owned by Elizabethan courtier Sir Francis Bacon and the pub was a favourite with soldier poet Wilfred Owen when he was stationed at Gidea Park.

HAINAULT FOREST: this group shares Hainault Forest open space with the Redbridge Flickr group as Hainault Forest is jointly administered by the two London boroughs and Epping Forest District. Photos taken anywhere in Hainault Forest can be placed in either [or both] groups.