Walk for June 2015 - The history of Elm Park and RAF Hornchurch

This month, we travelled a few stops along the District line to Elm Park station. Local historian, Brian Evans, guided us through the history of Elm Park and RAF Hornchurch.

In 1935, new houses were built in Elm Park by Costain at a cost of £330 each with a £25 deposit. People in the East End of London were attracted to the open fields and the fresh air. They were told that the mortgages would cost the same as their rent in the End End. Even a new station, Elm Park, was opened especially for this new estate.

We walked along the High Street and looked at the range of local shops. the oldest shop being 'The Hobby shop' which dates back to 1959. We all commented on how they still have a butchers and bakers. Although we didn't see a candlestick makers.

We learnt about the relevance of the road names such as Coronation Drive due to King George VI's Coronation. Whereas on the old RAF airfield site, the roads are named after pilots e.g. Berry Close after Squadron Leader Ronald Berry, a pilot stationed at RAF Hornchurch.

We also heard about landmarks that have since gone such as Snow White's cottage on Coronation Drive and the original estate agents office for the sales of the new houses which was only knocked down recently.

We then walked along the old RAF airfield which has since been turned into houses but the traces of its history is still there. We walked past the officers' homes on Abbs Cross Road and saw the RAF Mess which is now a doctor's surgery. Previous serving officers were Max Bygraves, Ronnie Corbett and Iain Duncan-Smith's Dad.

We finished the walk at 'The Good Intent' pub and heard a few ghost stories from the airfield. We enjoyed a tasty lunch before heading back westbound on the train.

Date for the diary: Elm Park are celebrating their 80th anniversary on Saturday 18th July 2015.
Elm Park Local Information