Did you know that...
Barnardo’s, one of the oldest children charities, can be found in Barkingside IG6. The home was founded in 1886 and it’s one of the oldest buildings in the area. Other historical buildings include the Holy Trinity Church built in 1840 and the underground station which was built in the Edwardian era. The monks of Barking Abbey used to provide service for the locals before a church was built in this IG6 area. Fullwell Cross borrows the name of a medieval preaching cross. The nearby roundabout, the leisure center, and the library derive their names from the cross. Architect Frederick Gibberd designed the grade II listed library building.
Ilford County High School was initially called Park High Grade School. It was established in 1901 and its former students were called Old Parkonians. Notable alumni include singer Nishat Monsur, TV presenter Raymond Baxter, footballer Trevor Brooking, theater producer David Ian, comedian John Moloney, and actor Charles Stapley. Politician David Evennett was a teacher here. Kantor King Solomon High School is another Barkingside school. It bears the name of the European Jewish Congress president Moshe Kantor. X-Factor finalist Stacey Solomon, footballer Jack Payne, and actress Katie Griffiths who played Chlo Grainger in Waterloo Road went to school here.
Businessman Alan Sugar owns many buildings on High Street Barkingside. Ken Aston Square takes its name from footballer referee and local teacher Ken Aston. Supposedly, he was the first to use yellow and red cards. For more than 100 years, a yearly fair took place on this side of East London. The fair was held under a massive tree. One of the local pubs, the New Fairlop Oak, was named after the tree. Chequers is the other local pub. Singer Kathy Kirby lived here. Presumably, she was the highest-paid female singer of her generation. Racing driver Scott Malvern is another famous former Barkingside resident.