HISTORY OF ILFORD
CRANBROOK CASTLE
Sir Charles Raymond wanted a mausoleum for his family. In 1765 he paid £420 for a triangular 'castle' to be built for that purpose. It had a sturdy design; the chapel walls were two feet thick and even the strongest nails could not penetrate the mortar. However, the building was soon to become known as "Raymond's Folly" after the Bishop refused to consecrate the grounds. This meant interments would never take place there.
St. Margaret's Parish Church in Barking became the final resting place of Sir Charles Raymond and his family. During World War I the Admiralty used the castle as an observation tower. The building was demolished in 1923.
Message: "Dear Marie, Thanks for PC. I hope I shall be able to see you next week at sometime or other. You must come over to our Swimming Gala. If you are off late you must meet me late. I do not care what time I reach home again. Hoping to hear from you again very soon. Yours Tommy"
Posted: 14th September 1911
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Message: "I arrived here quite safe just after 10. Uncle said if he had know I could have come by the earlier train he was at Wloo 7.30. So sorry my train was 1/2 hour late so hope Dad won't get a fresh cold. Oh what a night it was, it is lovely here today. With best wishes and fondest love yours & etc Annie. I forgot by black neck thing xxx"
Posted: 24th December 1907 (Vague postmark)
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Message: “D Mrs H The box arrived safely on Sunday morning in which we thank you but no a/c, the other will do when convenient to you both love from us all, will write again when &c &c in haste yours again E C J”
Posted: 25th December 1904
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Cranbrook Castle once stood near where Cranbrook Primary School was later built.
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Message: “45 Grange Road Ilford I am thinking of coming down to W on Thursday would like to see G. Please let me know if it will be convenient. Had to say all at home are fairly well.”
Posted: 23rd October 1906
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Written by Raymond Small.