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Havering Atte Bower is mentioned as Haueringas in the Domesday Book in the 11th century. It is derived from a proper name and it means settlement of Hæfer’s followers. In the 13th century, the area is recorded as Hauering Atte Bower. The Atte Bower suffix translates to royal residence. The residence in question is the Havering Palace. This East London area is one of the three parishes in the historic Royal Liberty of Havering. Edward the Confessor, the last Anglo-Saxon king of the House of Wessex, built a hunting lodge here. The lodge eventually became a palace. Some believe that he died in this house.
Havering Palace was an 11th-century royal residence in Havering Atte Bower. King Henry of Winchester gave this palace to his wife Queen Eleanor in the 13th century. Until the 16th century, the palace was in the possession of the queen consort or queen mother. King Charles I was the last monarch to use this place as a residence. The Earl of Lindsey lived here after the Restoration. In the 18th century, this Havering Atte Bower palace fell into ruin. By the 19th century, no walls stood above the ground. Pirgo Palace was another royal residence in this RM4 area. King Henry VIII lived here.
Bower House is a Grade I listed building in Havering Atte Bower. It was built in the 18th century by architect Henry Flitcroft. It features some of the items from the Havering Palace. The stable block is also Grade I listed. The Round House is another Havering Atte Bower landmark. This 18th-century building was built by John Plaw. John Pemberton, the rosarian responsible for creating the hybrid rose musk, lived in this area. Professional wrestler Will Ospreay is another famous resident. Havering Atte Bower village sign was unveiled in 2010 by Prime Minister Boris Johnson who then was Mayor of London.