Review of Publications

This new illustrated edition, published in 2002, is of significant interest to a wide range of people. The book traces the history of the foundation in 1527, by George Monoux, of the Grammar School in Walthamstow from the early days in a wing of the Almshouses in St. Mary’s churchyard. The book records his provision for the endowment of the school and, following his death, the subsequent distant and dishonest trustees, to the school’s development in modern times into a co-educational sixth form college. George Monoux was Lord Mayor of London twice, Sheriff of London in 1509 and was also elected to Parliament as a Burgess to the City in 1523. There is no doubt that he was exceedingly wealthy.

This publication, with over 30 illustrations, records for the first time in one book the history of the Warner family in Walthamstow since the early part of the 19^th century, the purchase of the Manor of Higham Bensted in 1849, and the provision of housing for the rapidly growing population of Walthamstow and Leyton at the turn of the 20^th century. It deals also with the development of the Highams Estate in Woodford Green in the 1930s. A feature of the book is a glossary showing 57 street names that have Warner family connections.

There is a long and interesting history of Non-Conformity, in Walthamstow from when it arrived in the 17^th century. Volume one is devoted to the rise of non-conformity and dissenters in Essex, the Congregationalists and Baptists, with the foundation of each church. Volume two (the front cover of which is illustrating the Lighthouse Church, shown here) charts the complex history of Methodism in Walthamstow from tented missions to “iron halls” and finally to the building of permanent churches. The three types of Methodism: Wesleyan, United Free and Primitive were all represented in the district. Other organisations briefly mentioned are Jehovah’s Witnesses, National Spiritualist Church, Pentecostal Churches and various small missions.  Both volumes contain illustrations of many churches and mission halls, some of which no longer exist.

NEW

PUBLICATION

HIGHAMS tells the story of Walthamstow’s last remaining Manor House, now Woodford County High School for Girls. The manor of Higham Bensted was at one time very substantial covering a large part of northern Walthamstow. Even in 1768 there was still a large estate. The story of how some was lost and some was saved is recorded. Humphry Repton’s suggestions for improving the park and land use are described. The book provides an interesting account of a house and its estate from 18c to 21c. and contains previously unpublished internal photographs of the house.