Royal Liberty of Havering

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Royal Liberty of
Havering-atte-Bower
Administration
Status:	Liberty
HQ:	Romford
History
Created:	1465
Abolished:	1892
Succeeded by:	Romford Urban District Romford Rural District
Area
1831:	12,550 acres
1892:	12,550 acres
Population
1831:	6,812

The Royal Liberty of Havering was an ancient liberty whose former area now forms part of, and gives its name to, the London Borough of Havering in London, United Kingdom.

The ancient liberty included the parishes of Romford, Hornchurch and Havering-atte-Bower. Its charter was issued in 1465 by King Edward IV to the area surrounding the royal manor house of Havering Palace; this event was celebrated by the issue of a copper token for currency in the late 18th century, which uniquely among the many coins of that era bears the date 1465. The charter gave residents of the area freedom from taxation, its own local magistrates and gaol, and, earlier, freedom from the service of writs by the Essex Quarter Sessions. The famous Romford Market was another privilege that was guaranteed under this arrangement.

In 1831 the total population of the liberty was 6,812. In 1892 the Royal Liberty of Havering was dissolved by order of parliament. From 1894, under the Local Government Act 1894, the Romford parish formed Romford Urban District (later municipal borough) while the remaining parts of the liberty went on to form part of Romford Rural District. The modern day London Borough of Havering, created in 1965, takes its name from the liberty and incorporates the original area and other territories including Upminster. Modern day references to the liberty include the Liberty Shopping Centre and Royal Liberty School.