Romford Market hosts Suburban Legends history event

Suburban Legends, a community project based in Romford, transformed historical tales into live performances as part of Havering London’s Market Town programme on August 28 and 29.

More than 100 residents, including makers and performers from across Havering, took part in a collaborative effort to research, develop, and perform stories from Romford’s past.

Suburban Legends brings Romford’s stories to life (Image: Sandra Rowse)

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David Shearing, director and designer of the project, said: "Suburban Legends is part of how we tell the story of who we are.

Hops outside the Romford Brewery Company (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

"Community involvement has been central to the project, which is as much about the process as the outcome: local people telling local stories, learning new skills, making and celebrating together.

Havering-atte-Bower means “Havering at the royal residence”. A palace and hunting lodge stood among its rich woodland, with Henry III maintaining and improving the palace. In 1247, he confirmed Romford’s market rights (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

"I’m incredibly proud of everyone who invests their time and energy in building up our communities and keeping our shared heritage alive."

Nellie Sims ran a flower stall in the Quadrant and became a living emblem of Romford’s community spirit. She led the carnival with her horse and cart, which was also used for funerals, and raised money for charity (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Participants helped create characters and costumes, which were brought to life in a day of street performance in the market on August 29.

Romford Market began in 1247 by royal grant during the reign of Henry III, selling sheep and cattle as well as other goods. Livestock trading ended in the 20th century: the last horses were sold in May 1948 (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

The project focused not just on retelling Romford’s history, but on involving the people who live there to celebrate the characters and stories that shape the town.

Suburban Legends formed part of Market Town, a 24-hour programme of live performance, art, and storytelling.

The Market Town event also featured Meet Me By The Fountain, a large-scale projection, light, and sound installation by Mr Shearing, writer Vickie Donoghue, composer James Bulley, and Novak.

The events were produced by Havering London as part of Market Town and Havering Unearthed, in partnership with the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival.

Liberty Fountain re-created in the Market Place (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Havering Unearthed is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Romford BID, Arts Council England, and the London Borough of Havering.

The events invited audiences to experience Romford in new ways, connecting past, present, and future through shared stories and creative expression.