Walkthrough: The London Borough of Havering
6th January 2017 Advice
Havering is one of the largest boroughs in the British capital. It lies in the easternmost parts of London and is known for its suburban character and large protected open spaces. The Borough of Havering spreads over 43.35 square miles and has an estimate population of 250.000 people.
Gidea Park is an affluent and residential district which lies in the northern parts of the borough. Charing Cross, London’s main intersection is situated at about 15 miles from the area. Raphael Park is certainly the district’s most prominent landmark. It is a public green area which is named after British politician Sir Herbert Raphael who donated the lands to the Romford Urban District during the early years of the 20th century. Gidea Park, RM2, is served by its own railway station which dates back to 1910 and sits on the Shenfield Metro Line from the Crossrail network. It is used by almost three million people yearly.
The area of Collier Row is one of the least populous districts in the Borough of Havering. It is the location of the highest praised Parklands School which was founded during the mid-20th century. In 1995, the school gained “Beacon Status” due to its exceptional educational standards and achievement. As of date it is one of the largest junior and primary educational facilities in the borough. Collier Row, RM5, is also the location of an ancient Roman settlement which attracts both local and foreign travelers by the number.
Emerson Park, RM11, is a suburban neighbourhood with a population of about 12.000. It lies at approximately 15 miles from the junction of Charing Cross and is one of Havering’s most opulent residential areas. The district is often associated with the professional football club of West Ham United, as the team’s graining grounds are situated in close proximity. The area is connected to the other parts of the English capital by the Emerson Park Railway Station. The rail link was established in 1909 and sits on the Romford to Upminster Line from the London Overground.
The suburb of Harold Wood is named after King Harold Godwinson and lies at more than 16 miles from Charing Cross. It has a population of over 12.500 people and shared common boundaries with several well-known local districts including the above mentioned area of Gidea Park. Harold Wood, RM3, has three main educational institutions:
- Redden Court Secondary School
- Harold Wood Primary School
- Harold Court Primary School.
The residential district of Cranham, RM14, is located in the eastern parts of the Borough of Havering. The All Saint’s parish church is perhaps the focal landmark of the area. It had to be rebuilt during the second half of the 19th century was the building had sustained severe damages. The church is considered to be one of the most beautiful edifices in Havering and a testament to this is that it is recognised as a Grade II structure. Cranham is served by a large number of bus routes which pass through it frequently.
Elm Park is one of Havering’s most popular areas. It has an estimate population of 12.500 people and is identified as a district centre in the London Plan. The Elm Park Hotel is arguably the area’s most famous building. It was opened as a public house during the late 1930s and since then has become one of the English capital’s most emblematic hotels. The Elm Park Tube Station is the district’s main transportation hub. It was founded in 1935 and currently provides transportation services to approximately three million people on an annual basis.
Chase Cross, RM1, is one of the smallest districts in the borough. The area lies in close proximity to the district of Collier Row. The area was developed during the 1930s and today is a highly desirable residential neighbourhood which is mainly inhabited by young professionals. Chase Cross is linked to the London Underground and National Rail networks. However it is served by several bus routes.
Harold Hill is one of the largest suburbs in Havering and has a population of about 15.000. It is the location of Drapers’ Academy which is one of the finest schools in London. It was opened in 2010 and has a student body of 550.