Havering-atte-Bower
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Havering-atte-Bower | |
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| OS grid reference | |
|---|---|
| London borough | Havering |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | London |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ROMFORD |
| Postcode district | RM4 |
| Dial code | 01708 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| UK Parliament | Romford |
| London Assembly | Havering and Redbridge |
| European Parliament | London |
| List of places: UK • England • London | |
Havering-atte-Bower or Havering Village is a village in the London Borough of Havering which historically formed part of the Royal Liberty of Havering, from which the modern borough takes its name. Havering-atte-Bower is located 15.2 miles (24.5 km) north east of Charing Cross.
The ancient village is perched on one of the highest points in Greater London, albeit on the north easterly edge, in the far north of the borough and near to the M25 motorway. It is situated over 110 metres above sea level with striking views of East London, Essex and Kent.
The village is steeped in royal history. Edward the Confessor was the first royal to take interest in the area as he established a hunting lodge here which over the years would become a palace or 'bower' and it is believed, though disputed that he may have died in the house that he had loved so much before being buried at Westminster Abbey.
The suffix 'atte-Bower' was added in 1267 when the area became the property of Queen Eleanor. The surrounding areas were known as the Royal Liberty of Havering from 1465 to 1892. For the next 600 years royalty would use the house of Havering Palace for various reasons adding the architectural style of the day to the expanding palace.
Another palace was purchased by Henry VIII to the east of the village called Pyrgo to relieve the now aging Havering Palace. Into the 17th century the Royal Palace of Havering was in decline and was pulled down. Pyrgo later followed in the 18th century. Only one set of plans exist from the original Havering Palace, courtesey of a survey by Lord Burghley in 1578
The most notable residence in the village now is Bower House, built in 1729 by John Baynes, using some of the materials of the former Havering Palace. Its position in the village is simply breathtaking, looking over the entire modern day borough towards the River Thames and Kent.
The village is surrounded by three large parks, the dense woodlands of Havering (site of one of only two redwood plantations in England, imported from California), Bedfords Park, and Pygro. Bedfords Park is a popular family park and renowned for its panoramic views across London. The area is on the route of the London Outer Orbital Path.
Nearest places:
| Section 20: | London Outer Orbital Path | Section 21: |
|---|---|---|
| Chigwell | Havering-atte-Bower | Harold Wood |
