Ilford: A History

Ilford's story is one of growing independence and character: its Saxon and medieval manor estates belonged to the mighty Barking Abbey. The abbey set up Ilford Hospital Chapel, now the oldest surviving building in the town centre. The early 19th century saw prosperous inns grow up in an emergent village to serve the coaching trade, and by 1830 Ilford was a separate parish. Nine years later the railway came and brought dramatic growth; in 1888 Ilford gained civic independence. Within forty years of its first council, the town achieved borough status, with a splendid Town Hall. In this new book, the author provides a vivid account of Ilford's history, from its beginnings in prehistory, when mammoths roamed the Thames valley, up to the present day, when new communities, often from Asia, are contributing energy and enthusiasm to its continuing development. Her very readable narrative is splendidly illustrated and pays attention to all those long-departed people, such as Thomas John Barnardo, who built and developed the modern town.