60 years of Havering - A look back at key moments in history

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Havering celebrated its 60th anniversary this week - and to mark the milestone we are looking back at some key moments in the borough's history.

Romford officially became part of London six decades ago when the London Borough of Havering was created on April 1, 1965.

It was formed by merging the borough of Romford and the urban district of Hornchurch, which were both previously part of Essex.

The first council publication, called the Havering Review, included items about "the great take-over", as well as information on the library services and Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch.

The first council publication, Havering Review (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

The town hall, which was built when Romford was granted borough status in 1937, was renamed Havering Town Hall in 1965, as well as extended during the 60s.

In July 1965, Central Library was opened next to the town hall by Havering's first mayor Councillor Sydney Legg J.P.

Havering Town Hall and Central Library in c. 1975 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Also in the 1960s, development was underway in Romford town centre - with stores such as C&A arriving in Market Place and the ring road (St Edward's Way) beginning construction in 1969.

The first stage of the ring road was opened in May 1970 by Jackie Oliver, the lead driver for the BRM Formula 1 Team, followed by pageants through Market Place.

Crowds in Market Place for the opening of St Edwards Way in May 1970Crowds in Market Place for the opening of St Edwards Way in May 1970 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

More recently in Havering's history, Queen Elizabeth II visited for her maiden tour of the borough in March 2003.

This trip was actually inspired by resident George Barlow - who was 14 at the time - and had written to Her Majesty expressing his disappointment about her missing Romford’s Golden Jubilee celebrations the previous year.

The Recorder reported this historic event as having a "party" atmosphere, with thousands turning up in Market Place to welcome the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to Havering in 2003 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Trader Ian Clarke previously told this paper that it was "one of the highlights of my life".

Another major event was the Olympic torch relay passing through Havering as part of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Around 150,000 residents turned out to see the flame carried by people such as concert pianist Lang Lang, and editor of American news channel NBC’s Olympics coverage Bucky Gunts.

The Olympic torch passing through Market Place (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

READ MORE: Romford Shopping Hall history of its names and looks

Photos of these events, and other big changes the borough has been through, are part of a special exhibition celebrating Havering's 60th anniversary.

Cllr Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said it is "wonderful" to see the exhibition put together by "our brilliant local studies library team".

"We celebrated a huge milestone this week as Havering celebrated its 60th birthday.

"I’d would encourage everyone in Havering to visit the exhibition and join me in wishing Havering a very happy birthday."

The exhibition will be on display in the foyer of Central Library, Romford, during normal opening hours until May 6.

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