The London Borough of Redbridge was created under the London Government Act of 1963. The act created new structures for local government in the capital. There was also a reduction in the number of local government districts, which meant that local authorities were given

larger populations under their jurisdiction.

When Redbridge’s tube station was opened in 1947 it was the first time the name ‘Redbridge’ had been used. Previously ‘Red Bridge’ had been the nickname of ‘Hocklee’s Bridge’ which stretched over the

River Roding.

We conducted oral history interviews in order to record what the area was like before the amalgamation of the London Borough of Redbridge. We looked at what it was like growing up, working and shopping in the borough.

You had three centres of administration, which were Ilford, Woodford and Wanstead. Wanstead and Woodford came together in 1937. Then they all came together in 1965.

- John

The area was nothing like it is now; except Seven Kings hasn’t changed hardly at all. The shops are the same more or less, and the station is still there. - Phyllis

50 years of REDBRIDGE

A Barnardo’s House mother and child, circa 1950.

Street Party, VE day.

Bottom Image: VE Day Street Party, Redbridge.

“ ”

”“