Romford's best buildings chosen by Recorder readers

In the wake of recent calls to preserve the character of the Quadrant shopping centre, the Romford Recorder asked which buildings were their favourites.

The historic Golden Lion pub was among the most popular buildings, with St Edwards Church among the gems mentioned by many.

READ MORE: Calls to preserve ‘character’ of shopping centre in plans to split up shops

Ann Martin spoke for many, writing: “The Quadrant Arcade could be a classy shopping arcade, and a pleasure to shop in. The Golden Lion is full of history, and naturally, St Edward’s Church.”

Cristina DM also identified the church, Havering Museum and the Golden Lion pub.

Jackie Jesson recalled the Vitbe shop on corner of Park Lane, adding that she thought the sign was still there. And Cllr Jane Keane called for the restoration of the sign, calling it a “great local landmark”.

St Edward’s Church was mentioned by many people, including Gill Portch and Ruth Mattin, who was married there in 1990.

Chris Richardson also chose the place he was married, in his case Salem Baptist Church.

Connor L Robinson suggested the small Tudor Savers in Market, adding: “Imagine it as a nice little café.”

Andrew Cassidy chose Vine Cottage in North Street, writing: “Not the most aesthetically appealing , but dating from 1799 it‘s an architectural gem of Romford.”

Anita Wright was one of those who mentioned a few places. She wrote: “The town hall is a lovely building and should always be looked after. The Golden Lion pub and the old brewery site. Also the Arcade on the church side. This has been there for years and could be made a lot better inside.

“Romford is nothing like it used to be. Very untidy and run down. Debenhams used to be one of the lovely shops to shop but no longer.”

Kerrie Macdonald chose the Victoria Cottage Hospital in Pettits Lane, which she says has survived since 1888.

Ian Meyers lamented the loss of the old police station and magistrates courts and the United Reformed church, joined by Carol Newman, who recalled the water works building. Mr Meyers wrote: “Romford lost most of its buildings that were worth preserving in the late 1960s/early 1970s.

“The ring road saw many go including the Roger Reed alms houses and Mercury Gardens with the old library! Then the Liberty saw the old Gaumont go!

“What replaced the old has very few redeeming qualities architecturally! No one will touch the Golden Lion or St Edwards in Market Square!

“So what’s left? Very little! The RUSC club is 1930s Art Deco & is worth keeping but very little else. Much of this became the reason that despite coming to Romford in 1953 and growing up there I left in 1980, first to Westcliff-on-Sea and then a few years after, Kent."

Trevor Wells suggested the stocks at Havering Atte Bower, adding: "One day it would be appropriate to put the people in that have ruined Romford over the years."

Kathy Daly would like to see change halted. Asked what she would preserve, she said: "All of them. Don't change anything"