Borough Redbridge, located in north-east London, is a London borough known for its breath-taking green spaces, playgrounds and parks. One quarter of the borough is covered by green spaces and forest. The rest of the space is inhabited. One of the biggest and most visited parks is Hainault Forest Country Park. Valentines Park is also very popular and one of the main attractions there is Valentines Mansion, a 300 years old country house. The borough is also a cultural hub, and some of the most popular spots include Redbridge Drama Centre in South Woodford, Kenneth More Theatre and Redbridge Museum, both in Ilford. There are 13 libraries across the Borough Redbridge.
Following are some of the borough’s districts.
Aldborough Hatch, IG2
Aldborough Hatch is a district located in Barkingside and Newbury Park, and it is also a ward in the London Borough of Redbridge. This district is known for Aldborough Hall, which used to be a mansion, and today it is a main attraction for horse lovers because it is used as an equestrian centre. Also, the name of the district perhaps comes from the Alborgh family that used to live in the mansion in the 14th century. Aldborough Hatch has about 15, 000 residents.
Barkingside, IG6
Located in north east London, Barkingside is a ward of the London Borough of Redbridge. One of the most popular attractions in the Barkingside is Barnardo’s, UK’s largest children’s charity founded in 1866, which is still in function today. This district has a lot of ancients building and some of them include Holy Trinity Church, Barnardo’s chapel, railway station and other. There are two great pubs, New Fairlop Oak pub and Chequers pub. Barkingside tube station serves the area. One of the most popular residents of Barkingside is Sir Trevor David Brooking, a popular football player who played for West Ham United.
Ilford, IG1
Ilford is the ward in the London Borough of Redbridge and it is its administrative headquarters. This urban district located in south London is a great retail centre. This used to be a small rural place but thanks to the closeness to the river Roding and the development of the railway, it developed into a suburban area. In 1926, its population grown and it became a municipal borough. An interesting fact about this beautiful town is that the inventor of television, John Logie Baird, lived in there in 1920s. Also, in 2011, it became a popular tourist place thanks to its proximity to the Olympic Park in Stratford.
Loxford, IG1
Situated in the north east London, Loxford is a district of the London Borough of Redbridge. The origin of the name comes from the manor of Loxford. Today, the Loxford Hall is a child consultation centre and it has lost its primary look and charm due to many extensions and renovations. Terraced houses are dominant, and the town has developed due to the rapid population growth. Locals prefer the name “South Ilford” rather than Loxford. Did you know that dominant population in Loxford are Pakistani?
Seven Kings, IG3
As a part of the London Borough of Redbridge, the name of Seven Kings probably comes from the word “Seofecingas-later Sevekyngges”, until it was changed in to its current one by people. This is why this ward is called people’s suburb. What’s interesting is that there is a legend that seven royal men stopped at this place so that they can rest. Seven Kings IG3 is served by Seven Kings railway station. High schools in the area are: Palmer Catholic Academy, and Seven Kings High School and Mayfield High School.
South Woodford, E18
South Woodford is a district of the London Borough of Redbridge and it is situated in north east London. This suburb dates back to the Saxon era. In the 20th century, houses for accounting commuters were built on the sites of old villas. This was especially the case during the wars, when the district became a popular centre of the area. The main high street in the place is George Lane, where all important commercial and retail centres are stationed. There are many shops, cafes, restaurants, and other. Two of the oldest buildings in the town are the George Pub and an Odeon cinema, which it is protected against major structural changes.
