Wanstead Flats - A Short Illustrated History

By Mark Gorman & Peter Williams

Wanstead Flats is a large area of open grassland which forms the southern edge of Epping Forest, one of East London's largest open spaces, heavily used by local
residents and and much-loved.

Wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, footballers and what may be the UK's oldest existing model aero club all share the space. Because it is unfenced and not a park it has for centuries attracted informal uses; until the early 20th century Romani communities regularly camped on the Flats during the winter months and today rough sleepers may still be found in some of the areas of scrub.
Over time there have been many who claimed ownership of the Flats and conflicts over its use are a repeating feature of its story. Past uses included sheep grazing, rabbit warrens, a brickfield and an annual cattle market. There have been repeated attempts to enclose and build on Wanstead Flats, which have evoked huge protest
grass, campaigns to defend it. It has been the scene of military exercises, political meetings and religious revivals.

This short history sets out to introduce you to the history of this unique open space, and to explain why it is still today a special place for so many people.

Published by Leyton & Leytonstone Historical Society