#otd Theatre Royal Stratford East was opened 140 years ago by actor-manager Charles Dillon. He was related to the Fredericks family whose portable theatre or "fit-up" was regularly at Wanstead Flats fairs in the early 1880s. The Flats played a key role in the pre-history of the Theatre Royal.

Out now! The story of how over 100 years ago unemployed workers made the landscape of the southern area of Epping Forest that we know today. Lavishly illustrated & only £6. Perfect Xmas gift for lovers of epping forest.

Available from @newhambookshop.bsky.social & www.facebook.com/Number8Fores...

#otd 150 years ago Judge George Jessel ruled #EppingForest landowners' enclosures illegal, opening way to 1878 Epping Forest Act, the first in UK giving public right to roam over "private" land. Jessel: "they have taken other people's property [commoners rights] & appropriated it to their own use"

Just for starters - Wanstead Flats isn't a housing estate (but nearly has been in the past). Its the southern border of #EppingForest, a unique 12 mile-long woodland in north-east London. The Flats is a much loved open space used by east London's amazing diversity of communities. Come & see it!