Harold Wood
| Harold Wood | |
| Essex | |
|---|---|
 Terraced housing at Queens Park Road | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ545905 |
| Location: | 51°35’31"N, -0°13’53"E |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Romford |
| Postcode: | RM3 |
| Dialling code: | 01708 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Havering |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Hornchurch and Upminster |
Harold Wood is a suburban village in Essex. It was part of the ancient parish of Hornchurch, which became the Liberty of Havering.
History
Toponymy
The name Harold Wood was recorded in about 1237, when it was shown as Horalds Wood. It was named after King Harold Godwinson, who was defeated by William the Conqueror in 1066. He held the surrounding manor of Havering-atte-Bower.[1] Some of the original roads are named after Anglo-Saxon kings such as Æthelstan and Alfred the Great.
Urban development
Harold Wood Hospital, on Gubbins Lane, closed on 13 December 2006[2] with all patients moved to Queen's Hospital in nearby Romford. The site vacated by the hospital was earmarked for a 470-home housing development which faced fierce opposition from the local population. As of February 2023, the Kings Park estate has been completed.
References
- ↑ A. D. Mills, ed (January 2011). A Dictionary of British Place Names. Oxford Reference Online. ISBN 978-0-19-960908-6. http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t40.e6530&category=. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
- ↑ "Harold Wood Hospital Site Summary Information". NHS.uk. http://www.nhs.uk/england/hospitals/showhospital.aspx?id=RF4HA.