HISTORY OF ILFORD

TOWN HALL

Before 1898, Ilford's civil affairs were managed from over a shop located at 3 Cranbrook Road. When the town expanded a larger building became a necessity. The Council temporarily relocated to the old Ilford Hall while a Town Hall was built. On 17th March 1900, Councillor Gilson laid the foundation stone. It was a cold day with snow covering the ground. Two sealed bottles were placed in a cavity beneath the stone. These time capsules contained a copy of the architect's statement, a copy of the Ilford Guardian, the Times newspaper, and British coins minted in 1900. A grand ball took place to celebrate the opening in December 1901, attended by approximately 300 guests, primarily councillors, local businessmen, and prominent individuals along with their families. However, the event nearly ended in disaster when a lit cigarette left on a green baize table caused a fire, prompting an alarm and the arrival of the Fire Brigade, celebrations were halted. Plans for an extension were postponed due to World War.  A Central Library and additional offices were eventually added in 1927.

Messages were not allowed on postcard backs before 1902, therefore publishers often left a blank space on the front so a short message could be included. 

Posted: 10th November 1902

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Message: "Dear Mary I am looking forward to coming back on Wednesday. I do hope you enjoyed your holiday. I am in a little wooden hut and I went to church last Wednesday. This is all with love from Ethel"

Posted: 23rd April 1906

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Message: ""Dear N (first W sign crossed out) We have had a storm here all the evening, it has not left off raining once. yours B. (line) write soon"

Posted: 25th July 1904



Thank you to Beryl Pratt for providing the translation from shorthand.

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Message: "Thanks for sending my hat which got up alright. I hope you will all be alright. I shall not be coming home till 15th, Laurie"

Posted: 23rd July 1905

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Message:  "Dear Gertie, Please let me know if you are coming to evening school on 5th. You said something about you going to see some fireworks. Kind love May."

Posted:  4th November 1903

Postcard shows an early stage production at the recently built Town Hall.

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Written by Raymond Small

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