Did you know that...
Forest Gate is a residential area located in east London. This district was never an administrative unit and has never had formal boundaries. It is bordered by Stratford Town Centre to the west and Manor Park to the east and lies approximately 7 miles northeast of Charing Cross. It is 1.5 miles east of the 2012 Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford City.
In this residential district is where you will find West Ham Park that provides a space for sports. In the northern part borders Wanstead Flats boasting of several football pitches and some areas for walking and bio-diversity.
Senrab F.C. is a Sunday League football team that plays on the flats. It is based in Forest Gate and manages 15 teams for kids and teens ages 5-23 years old. It also has created a number of successful players including Bobby Zamora, John Terry, Paul Konchesky, Jermain Defoe, Sol Campbell, and Ledley King.
Why the area was named that way? Well, there used to be a gate to Epping forest that would stop the cattle from straying. By the way, Forest Gate remained rural until the 19th century.
Make sure to check the bridge art in the area. The bridge carrying Balmoral Road has painted panels that were colored by the pupils of different schools. There is a quotation that says “There is a universal poetry in all things”.