History of Ilford

The municipal borough of Ilford, in north-east London, grew from a sleepy Essex backwater in the seventeenth century to become a major coaching town, thanks to its strategic position on the London–Colchester road.

Its growth continued through the early and mid-nineteenth century with the arrival of the railway and Ilford became established as a regional industrial centre, home to the eponymous photographic film and chemicals manufacturer, Ilford Photo, and radio, electronics and telecommunications company, Plessey.

The extension of the Central Line service after the Second World War brought further expansion before Ilford was absorbed into the Borough of Redbridge as part of Greater London, in 1965.

Collection and Significance

All these changes are captured in this unique selection of old and new images and informative captions, compiled by London author Michael Foley, and is essential reading for anybody who knows and loves Ilford.