Ilford Historical Society
@ilfordhistory.bsky.social
The Bluesky account for the Ilford Historical Society. Posts by @ColinRuneckles
Website:
https://ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/
Website:
https://ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/
Pinned
And here we are!
The full programme for the Ilford Historical Society 2025/26 season which begins next month.
The other piece of good news is that we're back in the Gloucester Room in the Central Library in Ilford.
The full programme for the Ilford Historical Society 2025/26 season which begins next month.
The other piece of good news is that we're back in the Gloucester Room in the Central Library in Ilford.
Something I found for my talk last night on Parks & Recreation was this wonderful piece about South Park, literally in the same month that the park was opened in May 1902.
A 'regular quarrel on the water'?
The solution - ensure that boating and model boats were given separate parts of the lake.
A 'regular quarrel on the water'?
The solution - ensure that boating and model boats were given separate parts of the lake.
November 11, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Something I found for my talk last night on Parks & Recreation was this wonderful piece about South Park, literally in the same month that the park was opened in May 1902.
A 'regular quarrel on the water'?
The solution - ensure that boating and model boats were given separate parts of the lake.
A 'regular quarrel on the water'?
The solution - ensure that boating and model boats were given separate parts of the lake.
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
A lovely piece from our collection for today’s #Museum30 theme of Stitch – a ‘Friendship Cloth’, owned and used by the donor’s grandmother, Sylvia Ashbridge of Grove Park, Wanstead, who had friends visiting for tea sign and embroider (or embroidered herself) their names from around the year 1870. 🪡
November 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
A lovely piece from our collection for today’s #Museum30 theme of Stitch – a ‘Friendship Cloth’, owned and used by the donor’s grandmother, Sylvia Ashbridge of Grove Park, Wanstead, who had friends visiting for tea sign and embroider (or embroidered herself) their names from around the year 1870. 🪡
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
As we mark Remembrance Day this weekend, find out more in our exhibition and film, Redbridge and the Second World War: youtu.be/Lmy0kOTTHA4
Find out more about Redbridge and the First World War: redbridgefirstworldwar.org.uk
Find out more about Redbridge and the First World War: redbridgefirstworldwar.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 3:55 PM
As we mark Remembrance Day this weekend, find out more in our exhibition and film, Redbridge and the Second World War: youtu.be/Lmy0kOTTHA4
Find out more about Redbridge and the First World War: redbridgefirstworldwar.org.uk
Find out more about Redbridge and the First World War: redbridgefirstworldwar.org.uk
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
To remember Ilford citizens killed in the war, a memorial plaque and book was unveiled in Ilford Town Hall in April 1949.
This is now available to view at Redbridge Heritage Centre.
This is now available to view at Redbridge Heritage Centre.
November 7, 2025 at 3:55 PM
To remember Ilford citizens killed in the war, a memorial plaque and book was unveiled in Ilford Town Hall in April 1949.
This is now available to view at Redbridge Heritage Centre.
This is now available to view at Redbridge Heritage Centre.
Next Monday!
The next talk in the series is, well you can see - it's one of mine and I'll be speaking on the subject of Parks & Recreation.
7 for 7:30pm start on Monday 10th November in the Gloucester Room in the library in Ilford.
7 for 7:30pm start on Monday 10th November in the Gloucester Room in the library in Ilford.
November 7, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Next Monday!
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
County boundaries weren't always as neat as we'd like them to be. The area around Meppershall in Bedfordshire was particularly complicated giving rise to this cartographical equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders:
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
November 3, 2025 at 9:48 AM
County boundaries weren't always as neat as we'd like them to be. The area around Meppershall in Bedfordshire was particularly complicated giving rise to this cartographical equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders:
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
HARTFORD SHIRE intermixed with BEDFORD SHIRE
The Limits uncertain
#MappyMonday
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Happy Halloween! Watch out for all things creepy crawly in your travels tonight 👀
These spooky spiders were handmade by local resident Gladys Harrison and now live very harmlessly in our museum store! 🕷️
These spooky spiders were handmade by local resident Gladys Harrison and now live very harmlessly in our museum store! 🕷️
October 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Happy Halloween! Watch out for all things creepy crawly in your travels tonight 👀
These spooky spiders were handmade by local resident Gladys Harrison and now live very harmlessly in our museum store! 🕷️
These spooky spiders were handmade by local resident Gladys Harrison and now live very harmlessly in our museum store! 🕷️
The next talk in the series is, well you can see - it's one of mine and I'll be speaking on the subject of Parks & Recreation.
7 for 7:30pm start on Monday 10th November in the Gloucester Room in the library in Ilford.
7 for 7:30pm start on Monday 10th November in the Gloucester Room in the library in Ilford.
October 28, 2025 at 8:55 AM
The next talk in the series is, well you can see - it's one of mine and I'll be speaking on the subject of Parks & Recreation.
7 for 7:30pm start on Monday 10th November in the Gloucester Room in the library in Ilford.
7 for 7:30pm start on Monday 10th November in the Gloucester Room in the library in Ilford.
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Today is Ilford’s Charter Day – when the town officially became a Borough by Royal Charter on this day in 1926 📜
Crowds lined the streets to welcome the Duke & Duchess of York who visited Ilford to mark the occasion.
🔗 Visit 'Village to Suburb' at Redbridge Museum to discover more: vrcl.uk/museum
Crowds lined the streets to welcome the Duke & Duchess of York who visited Ilford to mark the occasion.
🔗 Visit 'Village to Suburb' at Redbridge Museum to discover more: vrcl.uk/museum
October 21, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Today is Ilford’s Charter Day – when the town officially became a Borough by Royal Charter on this day in 1926 📜
Crowds lined the streets to welcome the Duke & Duchess of York who visited Ilford to mark the occasion.
🔗 Visit 'Village to Suburb' at Redbridge Museum to discover more: vrcl.uk/museum
Crowds lined the streets to welcome the Duke & Duchess of York who visited Ilford to mark the occasion.
🔗 Visit 'Village to Suburb' at Redbridge Museum to discover more: vrcl.uk/museum
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
A wonderful blog about our collections and display on Redbridge's Jewish stories by Dr Rachel Lichtenstein 👇
Discover the Jewish heritage of Redbridge in this Collection Encounter from earlier this year. Join @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social to find stories of Jewish residents from 1939 to now.
Read the blog here: celebratingjewisharchives.org/blog/collect...
#JewishHistory #JewishLondon #Archives
Read the blog here: celebratingjewisharchives.org/blog/collect...
#JewishHistory #JewishLondon #Archives
Collection Encounter: Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre - hiddentreasurenew
The London Borough of Redbridge is one of the most culturally diverse London suburbs, geographically connected to both East London and the […]
celebratingjewisharchives.org
October 20, 2025 at 11:46 AM
A wonderful blog about our collections and display on Redbridge's Jewish stories by Dr Rachel Lichtenstein 👇
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Recently spotted on Ilford High Road – the F. W. Woolworth ‘ghost sign’ still in place beneath the new Superdrug store signage being installed this week.
Woolworths opened in Ilford in 1912. In 1938, the exterior was renovated in the attractive white Art Deco style that still stands today.
Woolworths opened in Ilford in 1912. In 1938, the exterior was renovated in the attractive white Art Deco style that still stands today.
October 13, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Recently spotted on Ilford High Road – the F. W. Woolworth ‘ghost sign’ still in place beneath the new Superdrug store signage being installed this week.
Woolworths opened in Ilford in 1912. In 1938, the exterior was renovated in the attractive white Art Deco style that still stands today.
Woolworths opened in Ilford in 1912. In 1938, the exterior was renovated in the attractive white Art Deco style that still stands today.
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
We have just joined BlueSky! Since our foundation in 1880, we have reproduced an unrivalled selection of historic maps, plans and views of London. We also publish books and monographs containing original research. See more of what we have to offer at: londontopsoc.org
October 12, 2025 at 11:48 AM
We have just joined BlueSky! Since our foundation in 1880, we have reproduced an unrivalled selection of historic maps, plans and views of London. We also publish books and monographs containing original research. See more of what we have to offer at: londontopsoc.org
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
On 22 June 1948, the Empire Windrush docked in Essex, the first of many ships and planes bringing around 500,000 Caribbean migrants to Britain from 1948 to 1971.
Discover the stories of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.
🔗 visionrcl.org.uk/museum
Discover the stories of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.
🔗 visionrcl.org.uk/museum
October 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM
On 22 June 1948, the Empire Windrush docked in Essex, the first of many ships and planes bringing around 500,000 Caribbean migrants to Britain from 1948 to 1971.
Discover the stories of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.
🔗 visionrcl.org.uk/museum
Discover the stories of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.
🔗 visionrcl.org.uk/museum
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Our next talk will be given by our president Jef Page and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of J.M.W. Turner.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
September 29, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Our next talk will be given by our president Jef Page and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of J.M.W. Turner.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Do you have a #LocalHistory you'd like to tell? Why not share it through the BALH's website! Whether it's a podcast, blog piece, 10-minute talk or other format, we have a range of ways of sharing your stories.
Find out more, here: www.balh.org.uk/blog-ways-to...
#WeAreLocalHistory
Find out more, here: www.balh.org.uk/blog-ways-to...
#WeAreLocalHistory
October 4, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Do you have a #LocalHistory you'd like to tell? Why not share it through the BALH's website! Whether it's a podcast, blog piece, 10-minute talk or other format, we have a range of ways of sharing your stories.
Find out more, here: www.balh.org.uk/blog-ways-to...
#WeAreLocalHistory
Find out more, here: www.balh.org.uk/blog-ways-to...
#WeAreLocalHistory
I wrote an article about an early theatre plan for the Ley Street / Balfour Road site - think C&A and Wilko.
Of course only now - by accident - do I find the plans for the public library that was in the running for that site a couple of years later.
Sigh.
Of course only now - by accident - do I find the plans for the public library that was in the running for that site a couple of years later.
Sigh.
October 3, 2025 at 9:52 AM
I wrote an article about an early theatre plan for the Ley Street / Balfour Road site - think C&A and Wilko.
Of course only now - by accident - do I find the plans for the public library that was in the running for that site a couple of years later.
Sigh.
Of course only now - by accident - do I find the plans for the public library that was in the running for that site a couple of years later.
Sigh.
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
A great action shot of Woodford Rugby Club players in 1983! 🏉
The Club was formed in 1924 and used a pitch next to the Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford. They later moved to a ground in Highams Park, where they still play today.
#NSHD2025 @sportingheritage.bsky.social
The Club was formed in 1924 and used a pitch next to the Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford. They later moved to a ground in Highams Park, where they still play today.
#NSHD2025 @sportingheritage.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 10:02 AM
A great action shot of Woodford Rugby Club players in 1983! 🏉
The Club was formed in 1924 and used a pitch next to the Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford. They later moved to a ground in Highams Park, where they still play today.
#NSHD2025 @sportingheritage.bsky.social
The Club was formed in 1924 and used a pitch next to the Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford. They later moved to a ground in Highams Park, where they still play today.
#NSHD2025 @sportingheritage.bsky.social
Our next talk will be given by our president Jef Page and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of J.M.W. Turner.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
September 29, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Our next talk will be given by our president Jef Page and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the birth of J.M.W. Turner.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
13th September in the Gloucester Room, Redbridge Central Library after the AGM.
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Just the other week I visited the Fuelling the Railway Revolution exhibition at the rather wonderful #AucklandProject #MiningArtGallery (Bishop Auckland, County Durham).
Amazing how quickly steam-driven railways spread across the country.
Amazing how quickly steam-driven railways spread across the country.
Fuelling the Railway Revolution
Learn how coal mining powered the Industrial Revolution. Visit The Auckland Project's exhibition on the pivotal role of coal in transforming industries.
aucklandproject.org
September 27, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Just the other week I visited the Fuelling the Railway Revolution exhibition at the rather wonderful #AucklandProject #MiningArtGallery (Bishop Auckland, County Durham).
Amazing how quickly steam-driven railways spread across the country.
Amazing how quickly steam-driven railways spread across the country.
200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway today!
So what you want to do is to read how the railway came to Ilford, right?
Of course you do...pp 15-19 in our April '22 Newsletter.
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/...
So what you want to do is to read how the railway came to Ilford, right?
Of course you do...pp 15-19 in our April '22 Newsletter.
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/...
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com
September 27, 2025 at 9:02 AM
200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway today!
So what you want to do is to read how the railway came to Ilford, right?
Of course you do...pp 15-19 in our April '22 Newsletter.
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/...
So what you want to do is to read how the railway came to Ilford, right?
Of course you do...pp 15-19 in our April '22 Newsletter.
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/...
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Chingford station c.1900. Built in 1878 to replace the station near Chingford Green, it was soon a popular destination for tourists visiting Epping Forest. In 1882 Queen Victoria travelled by train to Chingford station for the ceremony at High Beach dedicating the Forest to the people. #Railway200
September 27, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Chingford station c.1900. Built in 1878 to replace the station near Chingford Green, it was soon a popular destination for tourists visiting Epping Forest. In 1882 Queen Victoria travelled by train to Chingford station for the ceremony at High Beach dedicating the Forest to the people. #Railway200
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
It's here! Sign up for History Day 4 Nov 2025. #HistDay25 Together with @senatehouselib.bsky.social we are celebrating all things history with collections from galleries, libraries, archives, museums & more. Find out what it's all about and book your free spot. www.history.ac.uk/library-digi...
History Day
History Day and the History Day: Discover Collections website bring together researchers and collections in-person and online
www.history.ac.uk
September 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
It's here! Sign up for History Day 4 Nov 2025. #HistDay25 Together with @senatehouselib.bsky.social we are celebrating all things history with collections from galleries, libraries, archives, museums & more. Find out what it's all about and book your free spot. www.history.ac.uk/library-digi...
And if anyone is interested in what @vch-home.bsky.social has to say about our area, the links to the text can be found on our website.
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/articles--re...
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/articles--re...
Articles & Reviews
New Book by Georgina Green “ Sir Charles Raymond of Valentines and the East India Company” Published 4 th August 2015
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com
September 23, 2025 at 2:43 PM
And if anyone is interested in what @vch-home.bsky.social has to say about our area, the links to the text can be found on our website.
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/articles--re...
ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/articles--re...
Reposted by Ilford Historical Society
Our Co-General Editor, @adamchapman.bsky.social, joined us in 2013.
Since then, we have published just over 40 books and Adam has edited or co-edited 37 of them.
The most recent is our 250th #BigRedBook, Westmorland volume 1.
Join us on Wednesday to learn more.
Since then, we have published just over 40 books and Adam has edited or co-edited 37 of them.
The most recent is our 250th #BigRedBook, Westmorland volume 1.
Join us on Wednesday to learn more.
September 22, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Our Co-General Editor, @adamchapman.bsky.social, joined us in 2013.
Since then, we have published just over 40 books and Adam has edited or co-edited 37 of them.
The most recent is our 250th #BigRedBook, Westmorland volume 1.
Join us on Wednesday to learn more.
Since then, we have published just over 40 books and Adam has edited or co-edited 37 of them.
The most recent is our 250th #BigRedBook, Westmorland volume 1.
Join us on Wednesday to learn more.