Stratford: A Pictorial History

Stratford developed as a strategic gateway to London, with a Roman road to Colchester, nine water mills, and the largest tithe-mill in 1776. The Abbey of Stratford Langthorne was founded in 1135 and remained a wealthy institution until its dissolution in 1538. Stratford became a major railway town after the railway arrived in 1839, with ship-building and chemical works developing. Its growth in the Victorian age was phenomenal, becoming a cradle of the socialist and trade union movement. This book explores the medieval background and industrial and social heritage of Stratford in a fascinating narrative account.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Stratford, situated at the lowest crossing point of the River Lea, emerged as a strategic gateway to London. Part of the Essex parish of West Ham, its name, derived from the Roman road to Colchester, was first documented shortly after the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book recorded nine watermills, and more recently, in 1776, the largest tithe-mill in Britain was built here, which fortunately still stands today. The Abbey of Stratford Langthorne, founded in 1135, shortly after the construction of the new Bow Bridge, remained a wealthy institution until its dissolution in 1538.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Stratford's strategic location made it a trading place and a rural retreat for City merchants. Silk weaving and calico printing were the first industries to develop, along with the renowned Bow porcelain works. However, with the arrival of the railway in 1839, Hudson, known as "The Railway King," transformed Stratford into a major railway town. Meanwhile, on the marshy southern fringe fronting the Thames, shipbuilding and chemical works flourished, leading to the construction of the Royal Docks, the largest industrial venture in the country for many years. Stratford's growth during the Victorian age was phenomenal, with a significant increase in population and mounting social pressures. The area became a cradle of the socialist and trade union movement.

This captivating book, adorned with splendid illustrations, delves into the medieval roots and the rich industrial and social heritage of Stratford. It presents a fascinating narrative account, complemented by a superb selection of carefully captioned old pictures. This book appeals to all residents and shoppers in the town, as well as to anyone with an interest in the past of East London and the shaping of its present environment.

Dimension: 244 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803993614
Edition number: New ed