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Havering

Havering, United Kingdom

Escape the City Buzz in Havering: London's Green Surprise Nestled on the eastern edge of London, Havering offers a refreshing escape from the city buzz without sacrificing accessibility. This vibrant borough seamlessly b…

#London Borough#Suburban#Historic#Cultural#Residential
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Languages
English, English

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Havering.

What people love

Havering is a borough located in East London, United Kingdom. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Havering:

  1. Historical Sites: Havering is rich in history and boasts several historical sites such as the Havering Museum, Langtons House, and Queen's Theatre. Visitors interested in history and culture will find plenty to explore in Havering.

  2. Parks and Green Spaces: Havering is known for its abundance of parks and green spaces, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Places like Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch Country Park, and Raphael Park offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

  3. Shopping and Dining: Havering offers a variety of shopping and dining options, ranging from local markets to high street shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy exploring the diverse culinary scene and shopping for unique items in the area.

  4. Easy Access to Central London: Despite being located on the outskirts of London, Havering has good transport links to central London, making it easy for visitors to explore the city's attractions and landmarks.

  5. Community Events and Festivals: Havering hosts a range of community events and festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.

Overall, Havering offers a mix of history, nature, shopping, dining, and convenient access to central London, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers looking for a diverse and enriching experience.

What to know

Havering is a London borough located in the eastern part of the city. While Havering has many positive aspects, there are also some cons to consider when traveling to this area:

  1. Distance from central London: Havering is located on the outskirts of London, so if you are looking to spend a lot of time in central London, you may find it inconvenient to travel back and forth.

  2. Limited public transportation options: While Havering is served by the London Underground and Overground train services, public transportation options within the borough itself may be more limited compared to central London.

  3. Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Havering is known for being a residential area, so the nightlife and entertainment options may be more limited compared to other parts of London.

  4. Potential for traffic congestion: Like many parts of London, Havering can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times.

  5. Limited cultural attractions: While Havering has some historical sites and parks to explore, it may have fewer cultural attractions compared to other parts of London.

Overall, while Havering has its own unique charm and attractions, travelers looking for a bustling city experience with a wide range of amenities and attractions may find it lacking in certain aspects.

Havering is a borough in East London, United Kingdom, and forms part of the outer London boroughs. Here is a detailed history of Havering, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks associated with the area:

Early History

  • Roman Era: The area now known as Havering was settled during Roman times, as evidenced by archaeological finds including roads and villas. The Roman road from London to Colchester passed through the area.

  • Saxon Period: By the Saxon period, the area was part of the Kingdom of Essex. The name "Havering" itself is derived from the Saxon word "Haefer," meaning goats, and "ingas," meaning people, thus "place of the people who own goats."

Medieval Period

  • Royal Liberty of Havering: During the medieval period, Havering was a royal manor known as the Liberty of Havering-atte-Bower. It was granted royal privileges that allowed it to govern itself to some extent independently of the surrounding counties.

  • Havering Palace: The medieval palace at Havering-atte-Bower was a favorite residence of several monarchs, including Edward the Confessor, Henry II, and Edward III. However, the palace fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in the 17th century.

Early Modern Period

  • Agricultural Development: The area was primarily agricultural, supplying London with food products. Farming continued to be a significant part of Havering's economy until the onset of suburban development.

19th Century

  • Industrial Revolution: While Havering remained largely rural through the 19th century, the coming of the railway in the latter half of the century began to transform parts of the area, making it more accessible to London and spurring residential development.

20th Century

  • Suburban Growth: The 20th century saw significant suburban growth, particularly after the First World War, as London expanded outwards. The population increased, and the character of Havering changed from rural to suburban.

  • Creation of the Borough: The London Borough of Havering was created in 1965, amalgamating the former municipal boroughs of Romford and Hornchurch and other areas.

Significant Landmarks

  • Havering Country Park: This park is located near the site of the old royal palace and offers expansive green spaces with ancient oak trees.

  • The Church of St. Andrew, Hornchurch: Dating back to the 13th century, this church is one of the oldest buildings in Havering and features a distinctive bull's head on its tower, a symbol associated with Hornchurch.

  • Romford Market: Established in 1247 under a charter from King Henry III, Romford Market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the area.

Notable Figures

  • Queen Elizabeth I: Known to have visited Havering Palace during her reign.

  • Edward the Confessor: The Anglo-Saxon king is believed to have used the residence at Havering.

Modern Day

Havering today is a vibrant suburban area with a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. It retains a sense of its historical roots while being an integral part of Greater London.

This history of Havering showcases its evolution from a rural settlement to a significant suburban borough of London, reflecting broader patterns of urban development in the region.