Overview

queen elizabeth hunting lodge Chingford Chingford is a suburban district on the boundary of North-East London and part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Despite its proximity to central London, this charming area is within touching distance of the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest.

History is laid bare on Chingford's doorstep as it is home to Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, originally built for Henry VIII. There are the Chingford and West Essex Golf Clubs to join, and multigenerational adrenaline-fuelled once in a lifetime experiences to be had!

Take scenic walks through the many local parks and enjoy the panoramic views at the top of Pole Hill. Station and Mount Road provide unlimited mouth-watering food, shops and pubs, and Chingford Overground Station can take you into Liverpool Street in less than 30 minutes. Chingford has the best of both worlds with its city pleasures and a close-knit community of simple joys.

"The Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Chingford was built in 1543 for King Henry VIII."

History of Chingford

history of chingford

Although it is assumed Chingford got its name after the River Ching that runs through it, its origin may come from the Saxon meaning ‘ford of the stump-dwellers’ referring to homes built on poles to protect them from the marshy ground.

The Domesday book shows early settlement with around 200 people serving the two large, local manors. In 1543, the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge was built in Henry VIII's reign, and its purpose was for watching sport. As it exchanged hands with Elizabeth, it lost its original purpose and became a retreat for serving tea during the Victorian period.

Chingford remained a small village until the 19th-century arrival of the railway, which brought new visitors from the East End of London. Epping Forest acted as a barrier for building an extension to the town and allowed it to keep its green space.

In 1824 Pole Hill erected a pillar to signify the position whereby geographers and astronomers at the observatory set their telescopes and measuring equipment. Inscribed on the pillar are words about the setting being ‘True North’ according to the earth’s axis. Also, to the west of Chingford lies the King George Reservoir, opened by George V himself.

"The River Ching that flows into Chingford originates from a spring at the foot of a tree in Epping Forest."

North Chingford

north chingford

North Chingford is on the cusp of Epping Forest with its vast open space and its 18-hole Golf Course. Sandwiched between the Butler’s Retreat Café and the Royal Forest Brewers Fayre Family Restaurant is the historical Tudor landmark, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, now a museum.

Hire a bike from the nearby cycle hire and journey up to Chingford Plain nature reserve over the once royal hunting terrain. Station Road not only provides the overground station with trains every 15 minutes heading into central London, but the road is home to coffee shops, supermarkets, and the outstanding St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Gorgeous quaint two-bedroom cottages can be found on Kings Head Hill while Forest Avenue and the surrounding area has exquisite Victorian period homes that are a sight to behold.

South Chingford

South Chingford benefits from the thriving Chingford Mount Shopping area. Here you’ll find takeaways and the top-rated Super Sushi Japanese restaurant. Local amenities, including the Bannatyne Health Club and Morrisons supermarket, are close, and Jurassic Falls Adventure Mini Golf is five minutes away.

The Paradox Community Centre is a chief part of this cosy community of residents, hosting many different events.

The South Chingford Foundation School is a co-educational secondary school of academy status, educating the younger generation of South Chingford to a high standard. Regular buses in the area travel down to Walthamstow, where you'll find the William Morris Gallery.

There are some gloriously constructed Edwardian properties in Waltham Way by the William Girling Reservoir and Ainslie Wood Road close to the stunning Memorial Park.

Chingford Hatch

In the southeast part of Chingford lies Chingford Hatch, with its name originating from a small hatch or gate, used to prevent grazing cattle straying too far! Hatch Lane has local amenities all on one street with fish & chips shops, takeaways, antiques, independent florists, and a Co-Op supermarket.

There is a local tennis club on its doorstep, and in close quarters, the Ridgeway Park Tennis Hub has open tennis courts.

Friday Hill, north of Chingford Hatch, is named after John Friday, who owned its land in the 15th century, and the Friday Hill historic manor house still has its original Tudor features.

The Pimp Hall Park and nature reserve has a long history, originally intended as a timber-framed, two-storey farmhouse in the late 16th century. Today it is a beautiful spot with an extensive wildflower meadow that is a sanctuary for nature lovers in the city.

Property Types in Chingford

chingford property

According to the last census, Chingford has a population of over 66,000, and the most common age group lies between 30 to 44. With more affordable homes than in the centre of London, Chingford is where professionals, city workers and families gravitate. North Chingford has a mixture of Edwardian and Victorian properties set on wide leafy streets such as Forest Avenue, a prime location with stunning 5 bedroom detached homes. This location is within minutes of Station Road and the renowned Normanhurst Independent School. The Green and The Drive are nearby, with luxurious properties overlooking the Chingford Golf Course.

Affordable property for first-time buyers, new families, or those looking to downsize with 2 bedroom terrace homes are situated on Sewardstone Road and Hall Lane.

For more expensive family homes, Elmfield Road has 3 bedroom semi-detached 30s style homes with private gardens.

In Centenary House, Higham’s Park, modern 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available for sale.

"In the early 50s, 17,000 people went to the annual Chingford Festival, and among them was the legendary Walt Disney!"

Schools and Colleges in the Chingford Area

Chingford has many notable educational institutions, including St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, voted ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. As well as some accomplished secondary schools in the local area, there are two nearby mixed independent schools. Within the catchment area of Chingford is Woodford County High School for Girls, a popular school that offers plenty of extra-curricular activities.