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Ilford

Introduction

Ilford is a market town in Essex, England, located approximately 11 miles north of London. With a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era, Ilford has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, shaped by its strategic location at the confluence of the River Lea and the River Stort.

Key Facts

  • Population: around 30,000
  • Area: approximately 12 square miles
  • Coordinates: 51.5542° N, 0.3944° E (latitude), 0.3983° E (longitude)
  • Nearest cities:
    • London: 11 miles (18 km) south-west
    • Chelmsford: 7 miles (11 km) north-east
    • Brentwood: 8 miles (13 km) east

Historical Context

Ilford has a long and complex history, with various periods of settlement and development. The area was first inhabited by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century, who established a small settlement on the River Lea. Over time, Ilford became an important center for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and traders from across Europe.

  • Early Middle Ages: Ilford is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Ildor" or "Ilford", indicating its importance during this period.
  • Norman Conquest: Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Ilford remained a significant market town, with many of its residents being Normans. The town's strategic location at the confluence of the River Lea and the River Stort made it an attractive place for trade and commerce.
  • Medieval Period: During this period, Ilford became an important center for the textile industry, with many mills and weavers operating in the area.

Significant Contributions

Ilford has made significant contributions to various fields, including:

  • Transportation: The town's strategic location at the confluence of the River Lea and the River Stort made it an important center for transportation. A network of riverside roads and canals connected Ilford to London, Chelmsford, and other nearby towns.
  • Textiles: As mentioned earlier, Ilford was an important center for the textile industry during the Medieval Period.
  • Education: The town is home to several schools, including Ilford Grammar School, which dates back to 1556.

Notable Attractions

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 09:10:17
  • Keywords: Ilford, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/ilford