“Chase” is a word that evokes images of pursuit. Here in London, it lends its name to a place called Chase Cross. It is a district within the London Borough of Havering.
Chase Cross sits a little over a mile east of Collier Row. It also lies 15 miles northeast of Charing Cross. Romford is just under 2 miles to the south of Chase Cross.
The name “Chase Cross” likely comes from its location. It was a crossroads within a hunting ground. This hunting ground was part of Hainault Forest. Imagine hunters and hounds once crisscrossing this very spot. They were in hot pursuit of their quarry.
The forest’s character changed dramatically in the 1850s. Much of it was cleared. Agriculture replaced the trees. Then in the 1930s, houses began to spring up. Chase Cross transformed from forest crossroads to a residential area.
Today, Chase Cross is served by several bus routes. These routes connect it to surrounding areas. You can catch the 103, 499, 651 or 375. The 575 commercial route also stops here on its way from Epping to Romford and Lakeside Shopping Centre.
Though Chase Cross itself lacks a direct rail connection, nearby stations offer access to the wider rail network. Hainault Station and Newbury Park Station, both on the Central line, are close. Romford railway station is also easily accessible.
The main road through Chase Cross is the B175. It links Passingford Bridge to the A12 in Romford. The A12, known as Eastern Avenue, is a mile south. It provides a route to London and the east coast of Essex and East Anglia. The A12 also crosses the M25.
Chase Cross may be a small district but it has a story to tell. It speaks of forests and hunters. It tells of agricultural change and suburban growth. So take a moment to imagine the crossroads that gave Chase Cross its name.