Stratford City becomes known all over the world because
of the LONDON 2012 where the OLYMPIC GAMES was held.
Why is it called Stratford?
The Church of St John the Evangelist has a
unique tower, built over three stages, it was built in the 1830’s. The Old Town
Hall is an impressive Grade II listed building, that was built in 1869, it was
designed by John Giles and Lewis Angell, the building itself is reflective of
the Italian Gothic style during Victorian times, it features a domed tower. All
Saints’ Church dates all the way back in the region of one thousand years, it
is thought Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII frequented the church in their lifetime.
Originally mentioned in the Domesday Book and called ‘Straet
Forda’, literally translating to the ford on the Roman Road. Stratford formed
part of the road that linked Colchester to London. Stratford was originally
farmland and like many other areas of London it was very rural. It was home to
one of the biggest monastery sites in the UK; Henry VIII shut it down in the
1500’s alongside other monasteries.
Stratford was once best known for its agricultural produce,
namely producing potatoes. Industry grew in the 1700’s and there was a move
away from agricultural, porcelain was made in one of the first porcelain
factories here. By the early 19th C there was a dock in the area, by 1839 the
railway had arrived in the area. Victorian steam engines were also built here
and the area relied heavily on industry during the 19th Century.
Like a phoenix rising Stratford has emerged
from the ashes thanks to the Olympic games of 2012 and substantial investment
in the area. There has been a shift in Stratford’s focus from industry and
railways to more of a cultural and commercial hub. Today it is home to some of
the country’s best sporting facilities, including London’s Aquatic Centre, the
Velodrome and London’s biggest shopping centre.
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