OLD FORD

Old Ford is situated to the north of, and formerly in the parish of Bow. The river Lea is tidal as far north as Old Ford Locks and traces of the original ford have been found here. This is thought to be the lowest point on the river where it was possible to cross on foot and was used by the Roman road from the City to Colchester.

There is evidence of a Roman settlement in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD but in the Middle Ages, Bow became the local centre of population. The ford had become increasingly dangerous and Queen Matilda had a bridge built further south at Bow.

Farming and market gardening prevailed in the area until the 19th century when factories and railways had changed the character of the locality into an industrial suburb of London, with poor housing and much poverty.

Greenwood's Maps 1827:

Old Ford and surrounding area

Church Records:

• St. Paul, St. Stephen's Road
  Baptisms 1878-1951,
  Marriages 1879-1960 : LMA
• Baptist Chapel
  Baptisms 1814-1837 : PRO
• Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
  Baptisms 1871-1925 : LMA