Secret Hornchurch

- Blurb -

The town of Hornchurch was historically in the county of Essex and its mediaeval church of St Andrew's was known as the `horned church', hence the name. The area was mainly agricultural until the 19th century but then expanded rapidly due to its proximity to London and today Hornchurch is a large commuter town on the edge of Greater London. In themed chapters Secret Hornchurch delves into the history of the town from traces of prehistoric ancestors in the area, to the founding of the priory by Henry II and the story of RAF Hornchurch which played a key role on two World Wars and of which traces remain among the housing estate built on the airfield. The town's story includes alleged witchcraft, local industries of tanning, milling, brewing and a foundry, historic pubs and manor houses, famous and notorious inhabitants, not least the pirate John Ward who converted to Islam, changing tastes in entertainment from an annual wrestling match, cock-fighting and prize-fighting and a Whit Monday fair to Art Deco cinemas and ballroom dancing, the parish workhouse and charity schools, to the first fire engine, council houses and a tube station.Secret Hornchurch explores the less well-known episodes and characters in the history of the town through the centuries. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away historical buildings, Secret Hornchurch will appeal to all those with an interest in the story of this town.