The first mention of the township of Romford was in 1177, known as ‘Romfort’, Old English for the ‘wide and spacious ford’. This ford was a crossing of the River Rom which lay on the road between London and Colchester, two particularly large trading hubs at the time, tracing their roots to the Roman occupation of Britannia. Given its position, Romford became a market town with our still present Romford Market being established in 1247 by royal charter under King Henry III. The market focused on the sheep and cattle trade and as a result, the town became lined with coaching inns, providing a resting point for travellers. The town centre was eventually moved north in fear of frequent flooding spilling over from the Rom. The old town was relocated and renamed to what is still known as ‘Old Church’. The new site of the town saw its first building in the Chapel of St. Edward in 1410, which has since been replaced by the Parish Church of St. Edward the Confessor on the same site.
More than a century after the market first began to trade, the Church of St. Edward The Confessor was built in the centre of the market place, and is where the present Church building stands today, with its imposing spire towering high above the commercial centre below. St. Edwards has special meaning to me, being the church in which I was christened and confirmed, and a little further along the road in the High Street is where I spent my early years on Sundays, at the Salvation Army citadel.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. during his Maiden Speech in Parliament, 17th July 2001
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Romford became a centre for the leather industry and as well as other trades such as cloth-making, weaving and metal work. However, perhaps the industry that Romford is most known for is brewing. Founded in 1708 and later known as Ind Coope and Co, the Romford brewery played a vital role in the town's social and cultural life, sponsoring various endeavours. However, facing challenges in the late 20th century, it merged with other breweries, ultimately closing in 1993. The site underwent redevelopment, transforming into The Brewery shopping centre.
Romford boasts a history shaped by notable residents like clergyman William Derham, novelist Samuel Richardson, watchmaker Thomas Cooke, and mathematician John Dee. Historic buildings, including the Golden Lion Hotel, Brewery Tap, Market House, and Congregational Church, stand as witnesses to Romford's past.
Romford continued to develop and entered its modern incarnation in 1839 when the London-Romford trainline opened. The population expanded dramatically and various industries developed.
The regular commuter trains passing through the town, long ago replaced the horse-drawn carriages for which Romford was, for centuries, a main stopping-off point.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. during his Maiden Speech in Parliament, 17th July 2001
Romford endured significant damage during the Second World War, leading to post-war reconstruction and suburban growth in the 20th century. The town evolved into a commercial, retail, entertainment, and leisure hub, hosting cultural events, parks, and sporting activities.
Many families moved to the town from East London in the aftermath of the Second World War, and to this day, Romford retains close ties with the areas from which they originated.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. during his Maiden Speech in Parliament, 17th July 2001
Although part of Greater London for administrative purposes, Romford remains proudly a core component of Essex. Today, it is a prosperous commuter town on the edge of London, only 15 to 25 minutes away from Liverpool Street by train, and is also served by the Elizabeth Line.
Romford today is a major commercial and entertainment centre, boasting several shopping centres and sports teams, a historic market and a greyhound stadium. Romford also has a thriving nightlife, with over 15,000 people visiting on weekend nights to enjoy the evening economy of restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs.