A walk through local history

More than 20 members joined Barbara Robertson a few days after Christmas for a guided walk around part of the FORA area.

A knowledgable and long-time resident, she told them of its long history and pointed out some of the fine architecture that remains. The walk started at the junction of Preston and Whipps Cross Roads and ended at Leytonstone School.

Barbara described how the geography of the area had been determined by local rivers, now piped underground, and Neolithic pathways. Stopping from time to time, she told stories relating to local history ranging over centuries. Along Whipps Cross Road, she explained how the six remaining Georgian houses built in 1767 had been constructed.She did the same for the Hindu Temple and St Andrew's church, now a Grade II listed building. At Leytonstone school, she added a description of the life of the pupils when it was built as a grammar school for girls.

Barbara had planned the walk to last an hour. With members spurred by what they had seen to ask many questions, it went on for two.