Havering Timeline

This is the December 2021 version of the Havering Timeline. ©Pete Johnson - Havering Museum

Any additional stories, feedback or suggestions can be sent to HaveringTimeline@gmail.com;xNLx;;xNLx;;xNLx;This is very much an ongoing project so if you have any information about the beginning of your club, pub, school or church in Havering we would be happy for you to send us the information. ;xNLx;Any important events or people from the Borough are also of interest to us. Please don't send us any copyright material though unless you have the copyright holders permission. We can put in links to other websites where appropriate but we won't copy and paste other people's work or material.;xNLx;Acknowledgments:;xNLx;Friends of Havering Museum;xNLx;Havering Museum Volunteers;xNLx;Havering Local Studies Library;xNLx;Brian Evans;xNLx;The Past Revealed by Ian Wilkes, published by Havering Museum Ltd.;xNLx;+ others;xNLx;*;xNLx;*;xNLx;;xNLx;Pete Johnson;xNLx;Havering Museum 15th September 2020;xNLx;©Havering Museum unless otherwise stated.;xNLx;;xNLx;;xNLx;;xNLx;;xNLx;

0049 BC-12-01 00:00:00

Boudicca

Boudicca led her troops to London following the Great East road, almost certainly ravaging the tiny settlement of Durolitum (near Romford) on the way.

0900 BC-05-01 23:30:59

900 - 800 BC Havering Hoard deposited.

Weapons including axe heads, spearheads, fragments of swords, daggers and knives, alongside some other unusual objects rarely found in the UK, make up a total of 453 bronze objects that were probably deposited sometime between 900-800BC and remained undiscovered until 2019.

0946-09-01 00:00:00

Pyrgo Palace

Pyrgo Palace (originally Portegore) was probably built as a hunting lodge. Over the following 800 years or so it became the home of a great number of dowager queens and other royal persons. Pyrgo's history is tangled with that of the Royal Palace.

0969-03-01 00:00:00

Wennington first recorded

First recorded in 969AD as ‘Winintuna’, there is a suggestion that Wennington was named for the Saxon chief, Wynna. It is a small, ancient marshland village bounded on the west and north by Rainham, and east by the village of Aveley, and south by the Thames. Its boundary with Aveley was being disputed in the 19th century but ultimately settled in 1842.

1000 BC-11-01 01:11:30

Great East Road

The Great East Road, the second oldest road in Essex, similar to the route of the A12. The Romans paved the road and called it Iter IX. The river crossing was a ford, and the Saxon word for broad was 'rom' - therefore Romford.

1060-09-01 00:00:00

Royal Palace of Havering

The Royal Palace of Havering originated as a hunting lodge in 1060 for Edward the Confessor.

1086-09-01 00:00:00

Domesday Book

The Domesday Book shows the area had 14 manors, the largest being Havering (which included Havering, Hornchurch and the hamlets of Romford and Collier Row) with a population 0f 405 villagers, small holders, slaves, freemen and their familes. Rainham had 211; Upminster 157; Cranham 130; North Ockendon 103; Great Warley 54 and Wennington 13.

1159-09-01 00:00:00

Suttons Manor

Suttons Manor was created by Henry II, who gave all the land between Abbs Cross Lane, Dover's Corner. the River Ingrebourne and Pelt Street (now High Street) to the Monastery of St. Nicolas and St. Bernard of Savoy in Switzerland in thanks for the hospitality given to a royal envoy in difficulties in the St. Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy. The name came from an early resident, but Suttons Lane was originally Lake Street, overlooking water now taken up by Hornchurch Railway Station. In 1392Richard II and the Pope agreed this land could be sold to William of Wykeham to endow New College, Oxford, thus creating an absentee landlord for a large part of Hornchurch. The largest residence on the estate was Hackton (not to be confused with Hacton in Upminster) that was roughly where Central Drive is now. Other large properties were Suttons Gate, Suttons Farm, Elm Farm and Sockets (now Albyns Farm, the only one still standing). Suttons farm can be traced back to 1397, the last farmhouse being Victorian. It was used as an airfield in WW1, reverting to a farm after the war and then becoming RAF Hornchurch in 1928. Suttons Gate stood where Ravenscourt Grove is today and was named after a gate on the north side of the house to stop people having access to Suttons Farm. The gate was removed 1840 and the Georgian property was overtaken by residential development in 1936. A small part of the estate in now the Hornchurch Country Park.

1159-09-01 00:00:00

Hornchurch Priory

Founded in 1159, as the hospice of St. Nicholas and St. Bernard, Montjoux (Valais, Switzerland). Hornchurch Priory, which closed in 1391, stood where the (now closed) White Hart was, at the bottom of Hornchurch Hill.

1170-09-01 00:00:00

St. Helen and St. Giles Church, Rainham

St. Helen and St. Giles is a complete, late Norman church built by Richard de Lucy, justiciar, who married the daughter of Henry II. The dedication of the church to these two saints is unique in England. It is a Grade1 listed building.

1199-09-01 00:00:00

Rainham Ferry

The ferry from Rainham, Essex to the Lesnes Abbey, Erith in Kent was the lowest crossing on the Thames until the Gravesend- Tilbury ferry was established in 1268. It probably existed before 1199 but this is the first recorded date for it. The ferry was governed by the tide for operation, downstream on the ebb tide and upstream on the incoming tide for the return journey, it was only steered by a rudder and relied on the tide for power.

1200-09-01 00:00:00

Mawneys House

King John granted 'the wood at Romford' to Roger Bigod, the Earl of Norrfolk, at a rent of 5 shillings a year. It stood 150 yards north of Romford High Street on the site now occuppied by the United Services Club. Walter de Mauny held the estate in the 14th centuary when the estate covered 140 acres. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, sold for housing development in 1883 and finally demolished in 1935.

1222-03-01 00:00:00

Hornchurch first mentioned

The name ‘Hornchurch’ was first recorded in 1222. It is an Anglicised version of the Latin, ‘Monasterium Cornutum’, which roughly translates as ‘church with horn like gables’. Although Roman remains, sufficient to prove a settlement, have been found at Mardyke farm in South Hornchurch, the origins of the main village are obscure. It probably dates from Saxon times, and a church, described in charters and legal documents as the ‘Ecclesisa de Havering’ once occupied the site of the present Church of St Andrew, which dates from the 13th century. This prominent medieval church was once the principal church in Havering. The unusual Highland bulls head on the eastern gable of the chancel was first mentioned in 1824, but ‘points of lead fashioned like horns’, apparently in the same position, can be traced back to 1610, and could have even earlier origins. By 1384 a bull’s head and horns appeared on the seal of the Prior of Hornchurch, and as well as suggesting that the church had horn-like gables, it could also reflect the area's long association with the leather industry. The ‘Hornchurch Hoard,’ consisting of 448 silver of pennies from around 1223-60 was found by workmen in the Upminster Road, an area within the bounds of the former Hornchurch Priory. They were mostly English coins, struck in the reign of Henry III, with a few contemporary Scottish and Irish coins. At the time of the Domesday survey in 1086, Hornchurch was part of the royal manor of Havering, but from the 13th century onwards it became a flourishing community in its own right. There were at least 10 manors, several farms, and a leather industry that lasted over six centuries. The industry supplied work to a large number of people including fellmongers, tanners and skinners, and the goods produced had an outlet at Romford Market. In 1789 the Old Hornchurch Brewery was founded by John Woodfine, supplying the inns in the area. The economy, involving agriculture and small trades and crafts, developed further in the 18th century when the Wedlake Brothers, Thomas and Robert, opened an innovative iron foundry in Billet Lane. They specialised in agricultural implements, further serving the economy of the area. Thomas lived opposite the foundry at Fairkytes, and like several other gentlefolk who chose to live locally, built or improved houses in the area.

1223-09-01 00:00:00

St. Laurence, Upminster

St. Laurence church has a 13th Century tower, rubble-walled, four square and sturdy buttresses only at the foot. It was much rebuilt by W G Bartlett in 1862-63 but retains the 14th century north arcade with short quatrefoil piers, moulded capitals and double chamfered arches..

1247-09-01 00:00:00

Romford Market granted Charter

Romford Market Charter granted by Henry III. It was an obvious choice, being half-way between Hornchurch (which had a flourishing leather tanning industry) and Colliers Row (manufacturing charcoal). Under the Charter, no other market could be held within 6 and two-third miles (the distance a flock of sheep could be driven in a day).

1262-09-01 00:00:00

Mitchell or Howard's Mill, Hornchurch

The mill was 300 yards from the rear of St. Andrew's Church in the Dell, Hornchurch. A number of mills stood on this site, the last was post mill which closed down in 1912 an was destroyed by fire in 1921

1320-12-01 00:00:00

Henry de Yevele

Henry de Yevele, master mason and architect, directed the King's works at Westminster, the Tower of London and Havering Royal Palace.

1323-09-01 00:00:00

Romford Old Chapel

Romford Old Chapel was a wooden chapel of ease by the River Rom for the residents of an expanding Romford. It was built after residents had petitioned monks of St. Bernard at St. Andrew's Hornchurch for a nearer place of worship. It survived for 83 years until overcome by rot.

1334-03-01 00:00:00

Stubbers first documented

Stubbers has a documented history dating back to 1334, although only the garden wall remains from the original mansion. The estate was named after William Stubbers, a yeoman farmer who had formed it between 1438 and 1463. Humphrey Repton, the great late Georgian landscape designer provided designs for Stubbers in 1796, detailing them in one of the trademark Red Books (so named for their red morocco binding) which he presented to his clients. The Red Book for Stubbers still exists, and is held by the Essex Record Office. William Coys the famous botanist, lived at Stubbers, North Ockendon, until his death in 1627. He cultivated many unusual species in his walled gardens, and established one of the earliest plant collections recorded in England. A hundred years later many of the plants from Stubbers were used to establish Kew Gardens.

1374-12-01 00:00:00

Main chapel at the Royal Palace rebuilt.

Main chapel at the Royal Palace rebuilt.

1400-03-01 00:00:00

Alice Perrers dies

Alice Perrers lived at Gaynes Manor, Upminster. She died there in 1400 after a life of great notoriety. She was married to Sir William of Windsor, Viceroy of Ireland, but was also the notorious mistress of Edward III. Her influence over the king led to accusations of witchcraft in 1376.

1403-03-01 00:00:00

Isabella of Valois repatriated

Isabella of Valois was only 7 years old when she married Richard II in 1396, but she was widowed three years later when her husband was dethroned and murdered. She was held at Havering Palace until she was repatriated to France in 1403.

1406-12-01 00:00:00

St Edward the Confessor Chapel

Henry VI gives permission for the building of St Edward the Confessor Chapel in Romford, on the site of the present church.

1410-12-01 00:00:00

Sir Thomas Cooke

Sir Thomas Cooke began building the first recorded Giddy Hall in 1467. He was Lord Mayor of London in 1462.

1420-12-01 00:00:00

Sir Thomas Urswick of Marks and Gobions

Sir Thomas Urswick of Marks and Gobions (known as Up-Havering) was elected to the common Council of the City of London and was elevated to Recorder of London in 1454. Using his position he obtained Havering Liberty its first charter. He was knighted on the field at the Battle of Barnet, 5th May 1471 and the next year he was created Chief Baron of the Exchequer.

1437-03-01 00:00:00

Joanna of Navarre dies

Joanna of Navarre, the second wife of Henry IV (r. 1399-1413), was accused of witchcraft, but later pardoned. She died in some disgrace at Havering in 1437, and her ghost is said to haunt the site of the Palace.

1450-09-01 00:00:00

Upminster 'Tithe' Barn

Hall Barn

1465-09-01 00:00:00

Liberty of Havering-atte-Bower

The Liberty of Havering was formed by Royal Charter in 1465. Edward IV grants the Liberty of Havering, removing Romford, Hornchurch, Havering-atte-Bower and Noak Hill from the Hundred system. It meant that the courts were overseen by the King's steward or even occasionally by the King himself. It also meant that residents could carry a docket from the Court or have the Royal Arms stamped on their carts, allowing toll-free passage throughout the kingdom. The powers of the Liberty had been in gradual decline since around 1828 and in 1892 its Courts of Quarter Sessions and Petty Sessions were transferred to Essex County Council.

1482-12-01 00:00:00

The Lion Inn, North Street, Romford

The Lion Inn, North Street, Romford opens. At various times known as the Golden Lion and the Red Lion inn. Looks like two conjoined buildings, but actually it was built on three timber sections.

1483-09-01 00:00:00

Liberty of Havering Courthouse

Liberty of Havering Courthouse was at the west end of Romford Market, together with a prison cage. It was rebuilt 1737/40, but by 1790 the cells were not being used. Rebuilding took place in 1826 to include two shops on the South Street side. It lost its legal powers in 1892 and was used by the Romford Local Board as council offices until 1931. It was demolished in 1933.

1483-12-01 00:00:00

Roger Reede Almshouses

Roger Reede Almshouses established by the will of Roger Reede, who possibly set up the endowment to make up for the misdeeds of his earlier days.

1504-09-01 00:00:00

Sir Anthony Cooke

Sir Anthony Cooke was a scholar and close associate of Henry VIII. He was a tutor to the young Prince Edward, Cooke was knighted in 1547.

1587-09-01 00:00:00

Appleton's Almshouses - Jane Ayloffe

In 1586 Jane Ayloffe, a widow, bought a house on the south side of High Street for conversion into 3 alms-houses. The alms-houses were given in trust for the aged poor who had lived in Hornchurch for at least 7 years. Appleton's Almshouses were three cottages and gardens in Hornchurch High Street that were let to poor people at 10 shillings 2 pence per annum. They were demolished in 1967

1588-12-01 00:00:00

Queen Elizabeth 1

Queen Elizabeth who was brought up largely in Havering, is reputed to have stayed at the Royal Palace the night before delivering her famous "I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman..." speech at Tilbury. The Royal Palace was prepared as a command post in case the Spanish Armada had landed on the Thames Estuary.

1592-09-01 00:00:00

Francis Quarles

Francis Quarles, born at Stewards, Romford, became a Royalist poet. His most famous work was Emblems (1635), together with Feast of Wormes (1620) and Argalus and Parthenia (1629). Latterly he wrote tracts in defence of Charles I, consequently having a great deal of his output was destroyed by Parliamentarians during the Civil Wars. In 1618 he married Ursula Woodgate, they had 18 children.

1600-09-01 00:00:00

Will Kemp - Nine Daies Wonder

In 1600, Will Kemp, a clown and actor, danced from London to Norwich, attracting huge crowds. After a slight injury in Chadwell Heath, he was brought to Romford, stayed overnight, and then went back to the point where he stopped dancing before beginning again.

1601-03-01 00:00:00

Sir Francis Bacon inherits Golden Lion pub

Sir Francis Bacon, the Elizabethan statesman, philosopher, essayist and author, became landlord of the Golden Lion pub when he inherited it from his father in 1601.

1618-12-01 00:00:00

Rising Sun Mill, Victoria Road, Romford

Rising Sun Mill opens on Victoria Road in Romford. It was forced to close in 1840 when the new railway embankment cut off its wind supply. The mill closed in 1876.

1632-12-01 00:00:00

Sun Inn, London Road, Romford

Sun Inn, London Road, Romford built by William Grafton. Until rebuilt in the 1930s, probably the oldest inn in the district.

1638-12-01 00:00:00

Charles I at Royal Palace

Charles I was the last monarch to stay at the Royal Palace. He was traveling with his mother Maria de Medici, the Queen Mother of France. She saw the crumbling palace and refused to stay there, staying in Gidea Hall instead.

1657-09-01 00:00:00

William Derham FRS

Worcestershire-born William Derham was appointed Rector of St. Laurence's Church, Upminster in 1689. He lived in the village until 1716, when he was made a Canon of Windsor, although he remained Rector until his death. In addition to his ministerial, Derham served as the local physician and took a keen interest in science and nature.

1665-09-01 00:00:00

Upminster Common Mill

Upminster Common Mill off Ivy Lodge Lane was a post mill that ceased trading c.1880

1665-12-01 00:00:00

Samuel Pepys and great Plague

Samuel Pepys was among those who moved to the area to escape the plague. 90 people lost their lives in the Romford area and a Pest House was built in Colliers Row. Stable

1679-09-01 00:00:00

Ann Tipping

Ann Tipping (nee Cheke) was an educationalist who founded the school in Havering village in 1724 that bears her name. She is buried at St. John the Evangelist Church, Havering-atte-Bower

1680-12-01 00:00:00

The King's Head Inn at Hornchurch

The King's Head Inn at Hornchurch is built. Not the oldest pub in the area, but the oldest still in its original building. In 2007 it turned into a restaurant.

1696-12-22 00:00:00

James Oglethorpe

Founder of the American state of Georgia in 1731. Retired to Cranham Hall.

1700-09-01 00:00:00

High House Farmhouse, Corbets Tey

Grade 2* listed building

1707-12-01 00:00:00

Thames Flood

The Thames had flooded many times before, but on the 29th of October the breach at Dagenham led to a flood that covered 1000 acres and ended up being 25 feet deep. Because of successive breaches much of the water remained until 1720, but it wasn't until 1887, when the site was developed for Dagenham Docks, that the final 40 acres was cleared up.

1724-09-01 00:00:00

Dame Tipping School

Dame Tipping School founded by Anne Tipping in 1724. It was rebuilt in 1837 and again in 1891.

1729-09-01 00:00:00

Bower House

Originally named Monthavering it was designed by Henry Flitcroft. Bower House, Orange Tree Hill, is a mansion built in 1729 for John Baynes, Serjeant-at-Law, (a high ranking barrister), using stone quarried from the ruins of Havering Palace, including an angel bust corbel stone bearing the arms of Edward III. It is now a Christian training centre.

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