Woodford

Woodford Tube Station is a London Underground station on the Central line, located in the suburban area of Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge. The station first opened on 22 August 1856 as part of the Eastern Counties Railway and was later taken over by the Great Eastern Railway. It was not until 1947 that the station became part of the London Underground network with the extension of the Central line from Leytonstone to Woodford.

Woodford has a rich history, with the area first being recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Wdefort, meaning “Ford over the River Roding”. The area remained rural until the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, which led to the development of the suburb as a popular residential area for commuters.

One of the most notable local landmarks is the Grade II listed St. Mary’s Church, located just a short walk from Woodford Tube Station. The church dates back to the 12th century and has a rich history, having been used as a hiding place during the English Civil War and as a munitions store during World War II.

Another local landmark is the Woodford War Memorial, located in the centre of the town. The memorial was unveiled in 1921 and lists the names of over 300 local residents who died during World War I. It was later updated to include the names of those who died during World War II.

Woodford also has a number of parks and green spaces, including Ray Park and Knighton Woods. Ray Park is a popular spot for families, with a children’s playground, tennis courts, and a pond with a variety of wildlife. Knighton Woods is a nature reserve that covers over 50 acres and is home to a number of rare species of plants and animals.

In terms of local architecture, Woodford has a number of impressive buildings, including the neo-Gothic Woodford County High School for Girls, which was built in 1911 and is now a Grade II listed building. The school has a long history of academic excellence and has produced a number of notable alumnae, including the actress Emma Thompson.

Finally, Woodford is also home to a number of pubs and restaurants, including The George, a traditional English pub that dates back to the 18th century, and the Indian restaurant Spice of India, which has been serving up authentic Indian cuisine for over 30 years.

Overall, Woodford is a fascinating area with a rich history and a wide variety of local landmarks, from historic churches and war memorials to beautiful parks and impressive architecture. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, there’s plenty to discover and explore in this vibrant suburb of London.