CHADWELL HEATH

In 1855 Kelly's Directory described Chadwell Heath as a straggling hamlet in the parish of Dagenham situated for most part on the turnpike road from Great Ilford to Romford. It is possible that a small settlement existed back to the days of the early Saxons when Cedde was Bishop of London. Chad was the bishop's brother, for his saintly lifestyle he was canonised, becoming patron saint of wells and medicinal springs. This plaque was placed in Billett Lane at the site of a well reputed to have beneficial properties to people with weak eyesight. Until the London Water Company extended its mains the well was the only water supply nearby cottages had.

There is a personal message on the back of this postcard: "Dear Ma, It was not raining when I arrived at Barking. I am taking a stroll up this way to-day. It is fine this morning, George"  Postmark: OC 09 (19)07.

Parish Church of St. Chad. The foundation stone at St. Chad's was laid on 28th of May, 1884. The South Door porch, a gift from Colonel T.H. Sale, was dedicated on August 12th, 1896.

St. Chad's Church, Chadwell Heath. To commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, Colonel T.H. Sale had a tower built, which was dedicated by the Lord Bishop of St. Albans on August 2nd, 1898.

"Many thanks for postcard. This is the first that has been taken of St. Chads. Of course you heard Father was up last Saturday week. I went to see F with him - -. Our dog is dead about 20 others have been poisoned. Hope you are all well, Queenie"

Postmark: NO 12 (19)08



A stained-glass window on the Sanctuary wall showing St. Chad and St. Alban was donated in memory of local miller, Archer Moss, after he passed away on April 17th, 1895.

"Dear K, Do you remember when we were here last. G and her brother and I are having a ride as it is so fine. Love Alice." Postmark: AP 22 (19)05.

Archer Moss, son of Henry (the miller at Bentley Mill, South Weald), took up residence in Chadwell Heath. A third mill known as 'Miss Bentley' arrived from Bentley Heath around 1820, to form a triangle with the other two close to the eastern entrance of St. Chad's Park. All three were owned by Archer Moss by 1839. He employed nine men. One mill had a very tall roundhouse at its base, possibly with three floors. Named 'Long Sally', it is uncertain how the sails were set being so high off the ground. It stood near 'Little Jenny'. Moss, a Dagenham churchwarden, resided at Heath House on the High Road which backed on to Post Office Lane (later Back Lane).

"Dear Kathleen, Many thanks for card it makes me wish to be there. You must come and tell us all about it. I hope you will have fine weather we have it cold night and morning. Your other P. C. arrived safely. Much love Grannie." Postmark: SP 10 (19)08.

In 1873, the Essex Newsman printed this headline: 'SHOCKING WINDMILL ACCIDENT AT CHADWELL-HEATH' and reported. 'On Thursday afternoon a fatal accident occurred to a groom named Joseph Rutledge, through incautiously driving beneath one of the three mills on the heath. The poor fellow, who was 48 years of age, and had been in the employ of Mr. Moss, miller, Chadwell-heath, about two years, was driving a horse and cart towards the central mill, and went too close to the sails. John Killingback, a miller, called out to him, but at the moment the point of the sail struck him on the forehead, knocking him out of the cart. When picked up he was found to be dead.-An inquest was held on the body at the White Horse Inn, Chadwell-heath, before Mr. C. C. Lewis, coroner, when these facts were deposed to by John Killingback and Mr. H.A. Moss, and the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."' Expressing his regret the coroner said: "in this age of progressive science some means were not invented to prevent such a dangerous occurrence". The deceased was the brother of Inspector Rutledge of the Essex Constabulary.

"WIth love from N. Gilbertson." Postmark: JY 21 (19)10

Archer Moss Junior converted one of the mills to steam after his father died, after that they were sometimes referred to as the high, middle and steam mills. Long Sally became a victim to lightning and one of the sails caught alight, but swift action by Herbert Moss, son of Archer Junior, stopped the flames spreading. This mill was taken down in 1883, although the roundhouse stood for a while afterwards. Little Jenny was dismantled about 1902 and all three had disappeared by 1906.

"Dear M, See me early Tuesday morning. I will have a spot of dinner if you like. Must stop in this morning, love from Grace." Postmark: 18 JAN 1949

"Dear Mother, arrived here safe finding all swell. Lucy went off alright but rather downhearted. I shall be home about 10.30 on Sunday night. With love Wallace." Postmark JA 07 (19)11.

During 1658 a large whale was caught in the River Thames. Some of its bones were transported to Chadwell Heath where two were placed on either side of the toll gate in the road now known as Whalebone Lane. The bones remained there until around 1870 when the toll gate was removed. Two other bones were placed over the side gates to Whalebone House, an old-fashioned building with a small bell turret in the middle of the roof.

The Congregational Church in Mill Lane later became known as the United Reform Church. Services started in 1855 and were originally held in the church hall. The church building opened in 1911. 

"Dear Dad, That you will have 'Many Happy Returns' of your Birthday is the sincere wish of Alice & Bert." Postmark: NO 25 (19)10.

The White Horse was a convenient stopping point for stage coaches along the London to Colchester route . As well as being a coaching inn in its 400 year history, the premises has also been used by magistrates to conduct hearings and by auctioneers to sell properties. The inn had a garden with a sundial and stabling available where horses could be rested. The pub closed in 2017 and went up in flames during 2020.

"Dear Clara and Grace, Arrived quite safe. Am having fine time. Wish I had longer. Have had an hours walk to send you this card. See you Tuesday all being well. Goodbye, I remain yours truly, With love Elsie xxxxx." Postmark: AUG 2 (19)13.

"Dear Sir, Should like Trap as per usual next Tuesday 9.25, Yours F. Starling"

Postmark: AU 11 (19)06.

Councillor G.W.M. Gott formally opened Ilford's electric tramway on 14th March, 1903. Trams ran from Ilford to Chadwell Heath and Barkingside, the route covering roughly 5½ miles.

The duck pond at Rose Farm in 1929.

Warren Farm in 1908.

Chadwell Heath Farm.

Down Yarmouth Express near Chadwell Heath, Engine 4-6-0, No. 1516. 

On November 23rd 1901, Black & White magazine carried the following report: "A REMARKABLE SCENE IN ESSEX: A TRAIN PASSING BANKS OF BURNING SLEEPERS - Passengers  by Great Eastern trains travelling over the Chadwell Heath route had a sensational experience one night last week. Great piles of sleepers were blazing alongside the line, forming a striking picture as trains dashed past. [Drawn by F.C. Underwood]

Written by Raymond Small.