Municipal Borough of Wanstead and Woodford facts for kids
| Wanstead and Woodford | |
 Wanstead and Woodford within Essex in 1961 |
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| Geography | |
| Status | Urban district (until 1937) Municipal borough (after 1937) |
| 1934 area | 3,842 acres (15.5 km2) |
| 1965 area | 3,864 acres (15.6 km2) |
| History | |
| Created | 1934 |
| Abolished | 1965 |
| Succeeded by | London Borough of Redbridge |
Quick facts for kids Demography |
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|---|---|
| 1939 population | 44,057 |
| 1961 population | 61,416 |
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Wanstead and Woodford was a special area in southwest Essex, England, that had its own local government from 1934 to 1965. It was formed by joining two smaller areas, Wanstead and Woodford. This district was close to London and part of the Metropolitan Police District, which is the area policed by London's main police force.
Contents
How Wanstead and Woodford Began
Before 1934, Wanstead and Woodford were separate areas, each with their own local councils. These councils helped manage local services.
Wanstead's Early Days
In 1854, a special group called a local board of health was created for the area of Wanstead. This group looked after public health matters. Later, in 1894, the area officially became the Wanstead Urban District. It was run by the Wanstead Urban District Council.
Woodford's Early Days
The nearby area of Woodford also set up its own local board in 1873. This board helped manage local issues. Just like Wanstead, Woodford became the Woodford Urban District in 1894. It was managed by the Woodford Urban District Council.
Joining Forces in 1934
In 1934, a big change happened. The two separate urban districts of Wanstead and Woodford were joined together. They formed a new, larger urban district. This merger helped to make local government more efficient.
Becoming a Borough
The new urban district of Wanstead and Woodford grew quickly. In 1937, it was given a special status and became a municipal borough. This meant it had more power and importance in local government.
A Special Ceremony
The official document, called a charter, was given to the new borough on October 14, 1937. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, a member of the Royal Family, presented the charter. A special ceremonial mace, a symbol of authority, was also presented. This mace was given by Winston Churchill, who was a Member of Parliament for the area at the time.
Changes in Size
In 1956, the municipal borough of Wanstead and Woodford changed its borders slightly. It gained a small piece of land from the Municipal Borough of Ilford. At the same time, a tiny bit of land was transferred from Wanstead and Woodford to Ilford.
The End of Wanstead and Woodford
In 1965, the municipal borough of Wanstead and Woodford was officially ended. This happened because of a new law called the London Government Act 1963.
Joining Greater London
Under this new law, the area of Wanstead and Woodford became part of Greater London. It was combined with other nearby districts. Together, these areas formed a brand new, larger district called the London Borough of Redbridge.
Where the Council Met
The local council for Wanstead and Woodford needed a place to hold its meetings.
The Town Hall
In 1937, an old building called the rectory at St Mary's Woodford was changed. It became the meeting place for the council and was known as Wanstead and Woodford Town Hall. This was where important decisions for the area were made.
What Happened Next
After 1965, the building was no longer used as a town hall. From 1968 to 1988, it served as a magistrates court, where minor legal cases were heard. Eventually, the old town hall building was taken down. New homes were built on the site where it once stood.
