Did you know that Fairlop’s name comes from a legendary tree? The Fairlop Oak stood tall in Hainault Forest. It was a massive oak with a trunk sixty-six feet around. Seventeen branches spread out. Each was at least twelve feet thick. This magnificent tree was the heart of Fairlop. It gave its name to the area. The Fairlop Oak was more than just a tree. It was a symbol. It represented a community a history.
Fairlop is a suburban area in Ilford. It’s part of the London Borough of Redbridge in East London. Historically though it was in Essex. It was part of the Municipal Borough of Ilford until 1965. That year it became part of Greater London. Neighbouring areas include Loughton Chigwell Barkingside and Woodford. Fairlop isn’t just houses though. You’ll find farmland woodland and recreational areas. Fairlop Waters and the Redbridge Sports Centre are popular spots. The area is eleven miles northeast of Charing Cross. It has its own tube station making it easily accessible.
But the story of Fairlop is entwined with the Fairlop Oak and the Fairlop Fair. This wasn’t just any fair. It was a huge East End event. It started in 1725. It grew to last a week and drew crowds of up to 300000 people. Many came from the East End of London. Daniel Day a pump and block maker started the Fair. He wanted a nice day for his tenants friends and employees. He served a meal of beans and bacon. This might be the origin of the words beanfeast and beano. The Fairlop Fair became a major London tradition. The Fair continued after the Oak was destroyed. It ended in 1900.
Even the Fairlop Oak’s demise is a tale. In 1805 it caught fire. By 1820 it was blown down. A piece of its history remains. Some of its timber created a pulpit and reading desk at St Pancras New Church. Other pieces are at the Redbridge Museum.
Fairlop has a rich and fascinating past. From the enormous oak tree to the massive annual fair it’s a place with layers of history. It’s a place where the past and present blend. A place where a legend continues to live on in its name. It is a place well worth exploring. Come join us and discover more of Fairlop’s amazing story.