The 1919 Romford Directory
Last Updated 30th May 2005
Advertisement [FREE] by Kevan
If you want a good solicitor contact Ellisons in Colchester
LOCAL INFORMATION (As Recorded In The Year 1919)
...ROMFORD is an ancient Market Town and head of a Petty Sessional Division, Union, and County Court District, in the Southern Division of the county, situate on the River Rom, on the high road from London to Colchester; with a station on the Great Eastern Railway and another on a branch line of the Midland Railway (London, Tilbury and Southend Section), from Hornchurch; 12 miles from London and 17 south-west from Chelmsford, seven north-west from Barking, and six south-west from Brentwood. It has been said that the town derives its name from the River Rom, but this has never been satisfactorily settled. It is also attributed to the Anglo-Saxon noun "room," spelt "rum," so that Romford was really "roomy ford." The town is governed by an Urban District Council. Romford was the capital of the Liberty of Havering-atte-Bower until the abolition of the Liberty in 1892. Ecclesiastically Romford is divided into two Parishes, viz., St. Edward's and St. Andrew's. The Church of St. Edward the Confessor, erected in 1850, on the site of the old Parish Church, is a building of Kentish rag with Bath Stone dressings, in the latter decorated style, and consists of chancel, nave with clerestory, aisles and chapels, and an embattled tower on the south side with a spire 162 feet in height, containing a clock and eight bells, dated respectively 1758, 1704, 1651, and three others 1636, one being undated, but is probably about the year 1555. In the north-west side of the church is a stately monument with alabaster effigies of Sir Antony Cook and his lady in kneeling attitudes; in the porch stands a fine monument of Sir. Nicholas Hervey. In the chancel window is the representation of King Edward the Confessor in painted glass. The register dates from the year 1561. The living is nominally a vicarage, but is rather in the nature of a chaplaincy exempt from ecclesiastical jurisdiction, of the net yearly value of 705 pounds, with one and one-half acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of the New College, Oxford; the living has been held by the Rev. George Milner BELL, of New College, Oxford, since 1909. St. Andrew's Church (which was formed into a separate Parish in 1863) is situated at the west end of the town, and is a building of Kentish rag stone, the west gable of which is surmounted by a small wooden turret, containing one bell. The living is a rectory in the gift of New College, Oxford, and is of the net yearly value of three hundred pounds. The Rector is the Rev. G. V. SUMNER, Junction Road. The estates at the east of the town (Gidea Park and Balgores) have been extensively developed, and the Great Eastern Railway Company, realising the possibilities, have built an exceedingly pretty station to provide quick transit to and from the city, which they have named "Gidea Park and Squirrels Heath." Romford is noted for its Cattle and Corn Markets, which are held every Wednesday. The Market Place with its weighing machine and tolls are under the jurisdiction of the Urban District Council. Market Tolls Collector: Mr. F. HOBDAY. The public baths are situated in Mawney Road, and were erected in 1900 at a cost of over 9,000 pounds. The baths were originally to cost 3,000 pounds, but before the completion this amount was exceeded by nearly 7,000 pounds. Mr. H. C. GREEN is the Baths Suprintendent. Captain A. E. MARTIN, M.P., is the Member of Parliament for the Division. Mr. Arthur PORTER is the town's representative on the Essex County Council.
OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, SC. ROMFORD URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL This authority consists of the following members: G. J. RICH, J.P. (Chairman), W. HUNNABLE (Vice-Chairman), J. BASSETT, J.J. CRAIG, J.P., H.E. CRANE, J.E. DOWSING, T. ENGLAND, R. FRANKLIN, C. KIRKPATRICK, E.J. LEGG, W.H. LETTS, J.P., S. PHILPOT, T. SIMPSON, T. SMALL, H.H. THOMPSON, Arthur WARD.
Officers: Clerk: Mr. C.T. KING; Clerk's Assistant: Mr. H. TURVEY; Medical Officer of Health: Mr. Alfred WRIGHT, M.R.C.S.; Surveyor: Mr. F.G. BEAUMONT; Assistant: Mr. W.H. ADAMS; Inspector of Nuisances: Mr. G.R. BAILEY; Rate Collector: Mr. W.H. PARISH; Manager of Sewage Farm: Mr. James CRAIG.
During the year 1900 Romford Urban and Rural Parishes were amalgamated, and the district divided into Wards, viz., North Ward, Central Ward, South Ward, Collier Row Ward, and Harold Wood Ward. The North, Central, and South Wards comprise the whole of the old Urban District, the division being as follows: North Ward - All the district north of the centre of the main London Road to the boundaries of the Collier Row and Harold Wood Wards. Central Ward - All the district south of the centre of the main London Road and north of the Great Eastern Line of Railway. South Ward - All the old Urban district south of the Great Eastern Line of Railway. The Collier Row and Harold Wood Wards remain as previously. Each of the town wards is represented by four members upon the Council; the Collier Row and Harold Wood Wards by two members each.
The population in 1911 was 16,972. The area of the district is 5,630 acres - the North, Central, and south Wards containing in the aggregate 1,449 acres. Collier Row Ward 1,768 acres, and Harold Wood Ward 2,413 acres.
THE ROMFORD UNION
The Romford Union comprises twelve parishes, represented at the Board, which meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m., at the Workhouse, by the following:
GUARDIANS Barking - East Ward:- William GIBBARD, F. KITSON; West Ward:- T.W. MOSS; North Ward:- Miss L. LOUTH; South Ward:- Lilian M. ANDERSON. Ilford Park Ward:- Alfred NORTH, G. POTTIE; Seven Kings Ward:- William B. MERCER, Thomas CLARKE; Hainault North Ward:- Richard Albert HARRIS; Hainault South Ward:- Philip N. SPARE, Thomas GOODEY; Clementswood Ward:- Agnes McAULIFFE; Loxford Ward:- A.H. HOPE, Elizabeth M. WISE; Cranbrook Ward:- William AVERRE, George U. HASLAM. Romford - Central Ward:- William HUNNABLE; Collier Row Ward:- Lady GREEN; Harold Wood Ward:- W. POOLE; North Ward:- Mrs. PARRISH; South Ward:- Edward John COLYER; Cranham:- (left blank) Chadwell Heath Ward:- (left blank) Dagenham - Dagenham Ward:- W.G. EARL, W.J. GAY. Hornchurch. Harold Wood Ward:- D. SHUTTLEWORTH; Village Ward:- E.G. BRATCHELL, T. CRAWFORD; South Ward:- Vacant; North - West Ward:- E. LAMBERT, A.F. HARRISON. Havering:- The Rev. J.H. PEMBERTON. Rainham:- S.T. HOLMES. Noak Hill:- E.W. PADFIELD. Great Warley:- T.H. SCRIVENER. Upminster:- Rev. H.H. HOLDEN, H.W. MARTIN. Chairman: A. NORTH; Vice-Chairman: T.W. MOSS, J.P.
The principal officials of the Union are as follows:- Medical Officer for the Workhouse: Dr. J.A. FRASER; Master of the Workhouse: Mr. A. HESFORD; Matron of the Workhouse: Mrs. M.E. HESFORD; Superintendent Nurse: Miss E.L. RYDER; Assistant Master: G. BUTLER; Engineer: Mr. J. HARPER; Relieving Officers and Vaccination Officers: Mr. A. COLLETT, Barking District; Mrs. S.T. CHAMBERS, Ilford District; Mr. A. PAGE, Romford District; Mr. W.H. GROUT, Hornchurch District; General Relieving and Settlement Officer: Mr. H. CAWLEY; Registrars of Births and Deaths: Mrs. Elizabeth DAVIES, Barking; Mr. A. PAGE, Romford; Mr. William H. GROUT, Hornchurch; Mr. J. FARROW, Ilford; Registrars of Marriages: Mr. A. CORNELL, Romford; Mr. J. FARROW, Ilford; Treasurer: Mr. Leslie SELBY, London County and Westminster Bank.
Overseers for Romford:- Samuel DAVIS, Mawney Villa; Edward FLETCHER, Palm Road, John BASSETT, Mawneys Road, George J. RICH, Hare Street, William POOLE, Squirrels Heath. Assistant Oversees:- F. HOBDAY; Collector: W.H. PARISH, Market Place, Romford.
Clerk to the Guardians: R.H. MASON; Assistant Clerks: H.W. SIBBONS, W.J. HOWARD; Case Paper Clerks: T.H. HARRISON and W.T. BRUNSDEN; Supt. Registrar: Mr. Pery Freed HACQUOIL.
ROMFORD RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL This authority is composed of nineteen members as follow:- Cranham Parish: (blank space). Dagenham - Chadwell Heath Ward: W.H. WOOLLEY; Dagenham Ward: W.J. GAY and W.G. EARL; Beacontree Heath Ward: J.A. PARRISH; Great Warley: T.H. SCRIVENER; Havering: Rev. J.H. PEMBERTON, Hornchurch (Village Ward): E.G. BRATCHELL and T. CRAWFORD; North-West Ward: E. LAMBERT and A.F. HARRISON: South Ward: (blank). Harold Wood Ward: D. SHUTTLEWORTH; Noak Hill: E.W. PADFIELD; Rainham: J. POUPART; Upminster: Rev. H.H. HOLDEN and H.C. MARTIS; Wennington: (blank space). Chairman: E.G. BRATCHELL, J.P.; Vice-Chairman, J.A. PARRISH; Clerk: T.W.A. GREENHALGH; Medical Officer of Health: Alfred WRIGHT, M.R.C.S.; Inspectors of Nuisances: G.T. CARTER and H. BOUSFIELD; Surveyor: W.J. GRANT; Assistant Surveyor: F. ALDERSON; Highway Surveyor: A. KNIGHT; Treasurer: L. SELBY.
The area of the district is 29, 951 acres, and the population is 25, 287 (1911)
ROMFORD JOINT HOSPITAL BOARD This Board was formed in 1899, the constituent authorities being the Romford Urban and Rural District Councils.
The Isolation Hospital is situated at Rush Green, and was erected in 1901, and enlarged in 1906.
Medical Superintendent: Alfred WRIGHT, M.R.C.S.; Matron: T. PEPPERCORN.
The Board is composed as follows:- W.J. GAY, Chairman; J.J. CRAIG, Vice-Chairman; J.J. BASSETT, J.P., E.E. BRATCHELL, J.P., E. LAMBERT, J. POUPART, J.P., and E. WINMILL.
Clerk: T.W.A. GREENHALGH; Treasurer: L.C. and W. Bank, Ltd.
POLICE The Headquarters of the Romford Division, Essex Constabulary, are situated in South Street. The fine buildings were erected in 1893, and comprise Superintendent's Office, charge room, four cells, viz., three for males and one for females; stolen property room, and large exercise yard in the rear; there are also quarters for the Superintendent, two married Sergeants, and four single Constables.
ROMFORD PETTY SESSION Magistrates: H. HOSLIN, Esq., D.L. (Chairman), A. WRIGHT, Esq., (Deputy-Chairman), C.W. Matthews, Esq., G.P. HOPE, Esq., Major H.J. STONE, T. Gardner, Esq., J.G. BROODBANK, Esq., The Right Hon. Lord O'HAGAN, J.J. CRAIG, Esq., J.Z. CAHILL, Esq., W. POOLE, Esq., Sir Thomas NEAVE, Bart., E. BRYANT, Esq., W. YOUNG, Esq., G.C. ELEY, Esq., R. LOCKWOOD, Esq., F.M. HOPE, Esq., G.W. DAVIS, Esq., W.H. LETTS, Esq., The Chairman pro tem. Of Romford Urban District and Romford Rural District Councils.
Clerk: Mr. F.J. HUNT, Solicitor, South Street, Romford.
ROMFORD AND ILFORD COUNTY COURT Sittings of this Court are held at the Court House, Romford, and at the Town Hall, Ilford, in
Offices of the Court are at the County Court, South Street, Romford, and Town Hall, Ilford.
VICTORIA COTTAGE HOSPITAL, ROMFORD
The above Hospital, opened on May 24, 1888, was built in commemoration of the late Queen Victoria's Jubilee, at a cost of 1,000 pounds, exclusive of the site, which was generously given by the late Mr. W. MASHITER. Cases are admitted from Romford, Hornchurch, Havering, Upminster and Dagenham, and the adjoining outlying districts. The House Committee meets every Tuesday evening at the Hospital at 7 p.m., and the Management Committee the first Tuesday in each month at 8 p.m., at Wykeham Hall. The annual meeting of subscribers takes place during January. From the opening to April 30, 1914, over 2,600 patients have been admitted, and upwards of 2,250 discharged either relieved or cured. The cost for twelve months ending April 30th was 821pounds. The financial year ends in April. The Annual Report for the year ending April, 1914, shows that there were during the year 189 patients in the Hospital. The institution is supported by voluntary contributions and donations, which can be paid either to the Lloyds Bank, County and Westminster Bank, or will be thankfully received by the Hon. Secretaries. The Hospital during 1894, through the liberality of the late Mr. W. MASHITER, was enlarged. Additional accommodation for patients was provided by the extension of the male ward and the erection of an upper room. There are now thirteen beds available. The staff has also been increased. A new wing was added in1901, providing an isolated ward for severe accidents, with additional accommodation for surgical purposes, and convalescent patients. The increased demands likely to arise in the near future through the rapid increase in the population of the district, and the desirability of considerable alteration for increased convenience have prompted the Committee of the "King Edward Memorial Fund," to direct their efforts towards enlargement and alteration, which will more adequately meet the needs of the neighbourhood for many years to come. These addtions and alterations have been completed, and by this means additional accommodation has been provided, rendering the Institution one of the most up-to-date Cottage Hospitals in the Kingdom, and one that is well worthy of a visit and support. An earnest appeal is made to the residents of Romford and district to help in supporting our Local Hospital, duly acknowledged. No subscription is too small. Trustees: Mr. A. WRIGHT, J.P., and the Rev. J.H. PEMBERTON; Hon. Medical Officer: Mr. Alfred WRIGHT, Hon. Treasurer: Mr. W.R. JAMES; Hon. Secretaries: Messrs. A.E. BOX and H. MOSS; Matron: Mrs. EVANS.
ROMFORD GAS AND COKE COMPANY, LTD
The works of this Company were orignally situated in South Street, but in consequence of the growth of the Company's business it became necessary to erect new works in Nursery Walk. These were formally opened by the Chairman of the Company on September 3, 1892. The works occupy a site eight acres in extent, and are connected with the Great Eastern Railway Company's main line by means of a siding. The buildings are substantial erections, fitted with modern plant. The Company's share capital on June 30th, 1916, amounted to 54,925 pounds; loan capital, 25,400 pounds; and premium, 23,780 pounds total, 104,105 pounds. The number of consumers by ordinary meter, 2,211; ditto, prepayment meter, 3,474 total, 5,685. The number of cooking stoves, Gas Fires and other appliances number 5,685.
Chairman: Henry JOHNSON, Esq.; Engineer & Manager: Mr. J. G. WRIGHT; Secretary: Mr. George BERRIDGE; Assistant Secretary: Mr. D. HAYES; Collector: Mr. George WEST. Show Rooms: 76 South Street, Romford.
SOUTH ESSEX WATER WORKS COMPANY
Romford is supplied with excellent water from chalk springs by the South Essex Water Works Company, whose local offices and pumping station are situated in Hornchurch Road. Mr. C.J. FOX (Secretary) and Mr. B.W. BRYAN (Engineer). The Company was incorporated in 1861 by a special Act of Parliament, with additional Acts in 1882 and 1901, its authorised capital being 535,700 pounds. The Company's pumping stations are at Grays, Linford, Great Warley, Romford, lford, Barkingside, and Dagenham. Reservoirs: - Aveley, Great Warley, Little Warley, and Hainault Forest; service tanks for Warley Barracks, Brentwood, and at Barking. The area under supply is 100 square miles.