Seven landmarks to visit in Havering
Bower House in Havering-atte-Bower. - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
From visiting historical houses to exploring Europe's only listed skatepark, Havering is home to an array of incredible landmarks. Here is a selection.
Bower House
In Havering-atte-Bower, the Grade I listed Bower House, which was built in 1729 by English architect Henry Flitcroft, incorporates items salvaged from the ruined Havering Palace.
Rainham Hall
Owned by the National Trust since 1949, this Grade II listed Georgian House was built in 1729 for sea merchant Captain John Harle.
This Havering landmark features community gardens which surround the hall and can be explored through a one-way system around the garden.
Rom Skatepark
Located in Hornchurch and built in 1978 by Adrian Rolt of G-Force, Rom Skatepark is the first in Europe protected by a Grade II listed status. At the site, you will be greeted by volunteers who will be happy to share the history of the park with you.
Langtons House and Gardens
This Grade II listed 18th century manor house sits within landscaped gardens and is located in Hornchurch.
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The gardens were designed by Britain's “best-loved landscape designer” Sir Humphry Repton, according to National Trust, and feature a Victorian greenhouse and ornamental bridge.
St Edward’s Church
Built originally in 1410, St Edward’s is in Romford's Market Place.
The church that now stands replaced the initial build when it was built in 1849-50. Within the church, some of the memorials are from the earlier 1410 building.
Upminster Windmill
Described as a “smock mill”, this Grade II listed windmill was built in 1803 by farmer James Nokes. Located in Upminster, the restored windmill is open to the public as a museum thanks to a grant awarded by Heritage Lottery Fund and Veolia North Thames Trust.
Today, the windmill is managed on behalf of Havering by charity The Friends of Upminster Windmill.
Hare Hall
Since 1921 Hare Hall in Gidea Park has been the Royal Liberty School for boys, but it was originally built in 1769 to 1770 as a country house for British Indian intelligence officer John A Wallinger.
2018 marked the 250th anniversary of the building's construction.