New Chingford heritage trail launches today

The launch event is being held today at Chingford’s new community hub
By Waltham Forest Echo

The Royal Forest Hotel, one of 20 heritage sites in Chingford (credit: Chingford Historical Society)

A new heritage trail launches today, celebrating the 20 most important sites in Chingford’s history.

The guided walk was created by the Chingford Historical Society, with support from Waltham Forest Council and non-profit Love North Chingford.

It follows the story of the neighbourhood from quaint hamlet, which only became part of London in 1965, to the bustling town centre it is now.

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The 20 sites that made the cut include a Tudor hunting lodge, the home of the founder of the FA cup, a pub dating back to at least the 18th century and the old fire station, where firefighters were originally paid just five shillings a year!

A launch event is being held from 1-5pm today at the new Chingford Station community hub, only recently completed thanks to more than 600 hours of volunteer work.

There will be guided tours throughout the afternoon, a performance by the Chingford Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society at 2pm and free maps and children’s activity packs distributed.

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