Waltham Forest
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Waltham Forest from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Waltham Forest's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
L Manze Eel, Pie and Mash Shop
Waltham Forest
Eel, pie and mash shop, 1929 by Herbert A Wright for Luigi Manze.
Leytonstone House
Waltham Forest
Leytonstone House is a substantial 18th-century yellow brick house, once home to Sir Edward North Buxton, a friend of Wilberforce.
Central Parade
Waltham Forest
Commercial building comprising a parade of shops, a (former) bank and a public hall on the ground floor, with offices and flats above; designed under the borough surveyor, F G Southgate in...
Old Butchers Shop Adjacent to Number 76
Waltham Forest
The Old Butchers Shop in Walthamstow, built in the late 18th century, features traditional elements like a weatherboarded exterior and hanging meat hooks. It is a rare historical example.
The Coppermills (Waterboard Stores)
Waltham Forest
The Coppermills, built in 1806, now serve as waterboard stores. This historical structure features a square design with Portland stone details and an added Italianate tower.
Assembly Hall to South East of Town Hall
Waltham Forest
The Assembly Hall in Walthamstow, designed by P D Hepworth between 1937-42, features Portland Stone and tall metal-framed windows, complementing the adjacent Civic Centre.
Brookscroft
Waltham Forest
Brookscroft is a substantial detached house from around 1760, featuring a slate mansard roof, Doric doorcase, and intricate interior details like fireplaces and a carved staircase.
The Water House, Lloyd Park (William Morris Gallery)
Waltham Forest
The Water House in Walthamstow, a historically significant 1762 building, served as William Morris's childhood home and is now a museum.
Fetter Lane Congregational Chapel
Waltham Forest
Fetter Lane Congregational Chapel is a 19th-century church and former school by P Morley Horder. It features Arts and Crafts architecture and a design echoing the original 1660 chapel.
807, Leyton High Road
Waltham Forest
807 Leyton High Road is an early 18th-century building with notable internal features such as decorative fireplaces and a dog-leg staircase.
Clock House
Waltham Forest
Clock House, an 18th-century building, features a yellow brick east facade, a central pediment, and an ornate entrance. Now converted into flats.
The Bull and Crown Public House
Waltham Forest
The Bull and Crown Public House, built in 1898 in Chingford, features a Second Empire style with red brick, buff terracotta, and distinct mansard roofs.
Emmanuel Church Hall Emmanuel Parish Hall
Waltham Forest
Emmanuel Church Hall, designed by E C Frere in 1906, features yellow brick and Portland stone, a Dutch-style gabled west end, and distinctive architectural elements.
Walthamstow High School For Girls
Waltham Forest
Walthamstow High School for Girls, built in 1913, showcases a Neo-Georgian design with a segmental pedimented Ionic entrance and distinctive red brickwork.
ABC Cinema
Waltham Forest
Designed by Cecil Masey and Theodore Komisarjevsky in 1929-30, the ABC Cinema featured Moorish style architecture and still retains original elements like a Christie organ and unique Art...
Orford House Social Club
Waltham Forest
Orford House Social Club is a large early 19th-century detached villa with Neo-classical architecture, featuring stucco exterior and a notable spiral staircase inside.
Territorial Army War Memorial
Waltham Forest
War Memorial. Unveiled in 1921 to commemorate the service of two Territorial Army Units in the First World War.
Church of All Saints
Waltham Forest
The Church of All Saints in Chingford features a 12th-century nave, a 15th-century tower, and various wall monuments to notable families like Heathcoate and Legh.
Walthamstow Tramway and Offices and Depot
Waltham Forest
The Walthamstow Tramway Offices and Depot, built in 1905, features unique architectural details including brickwork in Flemish bond, terracotta dressing, and a distinct high slate roof.
Church of St Peter and St Paul
Waltham Forest
The Church of St Peter and St Paul, designed by L Vulliamy in 1844, features Gothic architecture with additions by Sir Arthur Blomfield in 1903.
St Mary's Churchyard, Solly Family Tomb, About 20 Yards t…
Waltham Forest
St Mary's Churchyard hosts the Solly Family Tomb, a Grade II Portland stone and bronze tomb from 1776, located near the tower. It features lion motifs.
1 and 2 Ivy Cottages
Waltham Forest
1 and 2 Ivy Cottages are early 19th-century, semi-detached houses made of yellow brick with later additions, noted for their fanlights and dormer windows.
Walthamstow Civic Centre Eight Pairs of Gatepiers in Fore…
Waltham Forest
Eight pairs of Portland stone gatepiers from 1937-42, designed by P D Hepworth, forming part of the Walthamstow Civic Centre, feature moulded and corniced sides.
Walthamstow House (Corpus Christi School)
Waltham Forest
Walthamstow House, now Corpus Christi School, is a significant 18th-century structure featuring Rococo interiors and historical connections to Sir Robert Wigram.
Church of St Barnabas and St James the Greater
Waltham Forest
The Church of St Barnabas and St James the Greater, built in 1902 by W D Caröe, features Arts and Crafts style with stained glass by Clayton and Bell.
Church of St Peter in the Forest
Waltham Forest
Church, originally Chapel of Ease, 1840. Architect John Shaw Jnr (1776-1832). Extended 1887, repaired and extended 1951 and 1958, interior renovated by Martin Travers (1936-7).
War memorial, Queens Road Cemetery, Walthamstow
Waltham Forest
A Cross of Sacrifice war memorial, erected after the First World War to the design of 1918 by Sir Reginald Blomfield for the Imperial War Graves Commission.
Leytonstone Library
Waltham Forest
Public library and shopsBuilt in 1934 by Leyton Urban District Council to the design of James Ambrose Dartnall (d1985). The builders were AE Symes Ltd.
Leytonstone War Memorial and Gardens
Waltham Forest
Monument to the fallen of the First and Second World War set in its own gardens, unveiled by Lt General Sir Francis Lloyd in November 1925.
Chingford War Memorial
Waltham Forest
War memorial, erected in 1921 to commemorate the fallen of the First World War.
War memorial in the churchyard of the Church of Emmanuel,…
Waltham Forest
A stone First World War memorial, of 1922.
Explore more
Search for more listed places in Waltham ForestWaltham Forest through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Waltham Forest changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Waltham Forest
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Leyton
The Electric Wire Works and environs, Leyton, 1923
Leyton
The Church Road Primary Schools and the London Electric Wire Co and Smiths Works, Leyton, 1950
Leytonstone
Cobbold Road, the H. W. Nevill Ltd Bakery off Harrow Road and adjacent railway viaduct, Leytonstone, 1951
Leytonstone
The H. W. Nevill Ltd Bakery off Harrow Road and adjacent railway viaduct, Leytonstone, 1951
Leyton
A culverted section of the Lee Flood Relief Channel under construction, Leyton, 1952
Leyton
A culverted section of the Lee Flood Relief Channel under construction, Leyton, 1952
Lea Bridge
Lea Bridge Pumping Station and Filter Beds (Metropolitan Water Board), Lea Bridge, 1936
Leyton
Lea Bridge Pumping Station and Filter Beds, Leyton, 1952
Walthamstow
The H. Young and Co Lea Bridge Steel Fabrication Works, Walthamstow, 1947
Leyton
Lea Bridge Station, Lea Bridge Road and environs, Leyton, 1952
Waltham Forest in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Waltham Forest's past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Charles George Harper Collection
Chingford, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-east of All Saints' Church
Eric de Mare
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of the Merry monument in St Mary's Church in Walthanstow showing portrait sculptures in oval niches.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1970 - 1975
The main entrance building at the modern Bush Boake Allen foodstuffs factory in Walthamstow
John Laing Collection
Leyton, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 25 Oct 1983
A communal sitting room at Etloe House retirement homes
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Chingford, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 01 Jan 1900 - 07 Sep 1905
THE RUSTIC BRIDGE SPANNING THE CHING BROOK OVERFLOW CHANNEL CONNECTING THE CHING BROOK AND HUMPHRY REPTON'S LAKE IN HIGHAMS PARK
Eric de Mare
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Detail view of the Merry monument in St Mary's Church in Walthamstow showing the bust of Sir Thomas Merry.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1970 - 1975
The modern Bush Boake Allen foodstuffs factory in Walthamstow
John Laing Collection
Leyton, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 25 Oct 1983
An interior, presumably of one of the newly built flats at Etloe House retirement homes
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Chingford, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1902 - 1907
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING OUT ACROSS THE LAKE
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1970 - 1975
The modern Bush Boake Allen foodstuffs factory in Walthamstow showing the flag pathway leading to the northern block
John Laing Collection
Leyton, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 25 Oct 1983
One of the bedrooms at Etloe House retirement homes
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Chingford, Waltham Forest, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW OF MAN SAT ON STONE BRIDGE LOOKING TOWARDS LAKE
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Waltham Forest. Skip this section and go to education
Heritage and Craft Workers Across England Given a Helping Hand
Mentions Waltham Forest
142 historic sites across England are receiving grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Waltham Forest's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
Warner Estate, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
One 'block' of shops on the Warner Estate, Walthamstow
Warner Estate, Walthamstow, Greater London
Warner Estate, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Terraced 'villas' on the Warner Estate, Walthamstow
Warner Estate, Walthamstow, Greater London
Town Hall, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
The town hall is an impressive building within a formally landscaped setting and is an example of the plain classical style of the 1930s.
Town Hall, Walthamstow, Greater London
The Water House, Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This substantial detached house dates from 1762. It is built from brown brick and has 2 full height bays.
The Water House, Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, Greater London
The Granada Cinema, Hoe Street, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
This cinema was constructed in 1929-30 for Sidney Bernstein as the Granada Cinema.
The Granada Cinema, Hoe Street, Walthamstow, Greater London
The Ancient House, Church Lane, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This former hall house has been converted into 4 dwellings. It dates from the 15th century.
The Ancient House, Church Lane, Walthamstow, Greater London
Squires Almshouses, Walthamstow, Greater London
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
These almshouses are dated 1795. They are single story, built from brick with some red dressings.
Squires Almshouses, Walthamstow, Greater London
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford, Greater London
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This former hunting lodge was built in 1543 for Henry VIII and repaired in 1589. The building was converted to a house in 1666.
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford, Greater London
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary. Skip this section and go to related locations
The Former EMD Cinema, 186 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London
This Grade II*-listed former cinema has a 970-seat auditorium with bars, a café and restaurant, and two commercial units.