Upcoming events.
WHS Summer Walks: Choice Dwellings at Reasonable Rents
Unlike other 19th century landowners the Warner family chose to develop their Walthamstow estate themselves. The result is a distinctive architectural style similar to that of the emerging 'Garden City' movement. Neil Houghton will look at the building and operation of the estate business and speak about some of the residents
.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1992695511918?aff=oddtdtcreator
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you a day or two before the walk.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the time so the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up spaces for others ~Thank you!
WHS Summer Walks: Women of Walthamstow
On a stroll around St Mary's Churchyard with Jacqueline Baker, you will meet some characters from Walthamstow's past who made their mark in the local area at a time when attitudes to women were very different to nowadays.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1992696293255?aff=oddtdtcreator [NB: tickets available from 25th July]
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you a day or two before the walk.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time so the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up spaces for others ~Thank you!
WHS Summer Walks: Markhouse Common— Riots to Watercress
Of Saxon origin, the allotments of Markhouse Common still fulfill the task for which they were set aside 1000 years ago. We shall also learn about the role it played in the threat of Napoleonic invasion and as the home of Free Speech in Walthamstow. On the way Neil Houghton will take you past Walthamstow's stunning Arts & Craft church of St.Barnabas.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1992726255874?aff=oddtdtcreator
[NB: tickets available from 8th August]
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you a day or two before the walk.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time so the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up spaces for others ~Thank you!
A Stranger in Walthamstow: Empire, Encounter and Experiment
Adam Taylor uncovers an imperial “civilising experiment” that brought teenager ‘Jemmy Button’ all the way from his Tierra del Fuego homeland to Walthamstow in 1830. Local research explores his remarkable 18 months in the parish that led to his meeting the King before an eventful return to his South American tribe.
The Siege of Sidney Street: Terror on London's Streets
Jef Page explains how anarchists and revolutionaries brought their war against Tsarist Russia to London's streets.
In 1909, seeking cash, they attempted a robbery in Tottenham where two people died. Then in 1910, after an attempt to burgle a jeweller's shop in Houndsditch, three policemen were shot dead. Some of the gang escaped but two were surrounded in a house in Sidney Street in Stepney.
The Archaeology of Medieval Life in Walthamstow – the Tales of Low Hall & Salisbury Hall
Neil Houghton will give an account of the medieval settlement of Walthamstow in the light of archaeological research which, together with recent trends in local history, has stimulated a fresh approach to this period.
WHS Summer Walks: What’s so special about Orford Road
Image courtesy of WF Archives
This walk, led by Jacqueline Baker, will explore the changes that have occurred since the early 19th Century when the area was covered not by roads and houses but by Common land.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1992692319369?aff=oddtdtcreator
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you a day or two before the walk.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the time so the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up spaces for others ~Thank you!
WHS Summer Walks - Hidden Histories of Walthamstow: Little Bethnal Green
St James’ the Great Church, c 1920 Image courtesy of Waltham Forest Archives
Led by Walthamstow Historical Society historian Neil Houghton, this fascinating walk explores how a small rural settlement was transformed within a lifetime into an industrial suburb. An area whose streets reveal over 150 years of change, from Victorian expansion and Warner developments to industry, transport and everyday community life.
Along the way you'll discover the stories behind familiar buildings and forgotten places, uncovering the people and events that helped shape this distinctive part of Walthamstow.
Whether you're a long-time resident or simply curious about the area's past, you'll come away with a new appreciation of the history hidden in plain sight.
Book your free place via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1992661160171 aff=oddtdtcreator
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you a day or two before the walk
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time so the walk can begin promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up spaces for others ~Thank you!
The Girl in the Green Jumper: the story of Cyril Mann
Renske Mann tells the story of a changing world before mini skirts, supermarkets and the opening of the new Victoria tube line. At 20, she fell in love with Cyril Mann who was already ‘nudging’ fifty and scraping a living teaching art, instead of painting. Recognising his artistic genius, she became his muse, model and financial support. Cyril educated and nurtured his young wife, encouraging her writing ambitions.
AGM and Members’ Social followed by a quiz, “Where in Walthamstow?”
Not just an AGM, but an opportunity to meet socially with other members. Join us in our usual venue for light refreshments before the business meeting.
Following that, there will be a short photographic quiz of old Walthamstow; don’t worry, the quiz will be very light hearted and you can join with others to answer the questions!
Not a member, come and join us and see what WHS has to offer.
The Matchgirls of Bryant & May
Due to circumstances beyond our control, this talk will now take place via Zoom.
If you would like details of the Zoom link, please email whsmembershipsec@gmail.com
Samantha Johnson, founding trustee and Chair of ‘The Matchgirls Memorial’ exposes the working conditions, phossy jaw and subsequent strike at the Bryant & May factory in Bow in 1888.
Medical Officer of Health Reports for Walthamstow
Ross MacFarlane will explore 'London's Pulse', a free online resource recording the health of London and Londoners over 125 years. It will give particular focus to reports for Walthamstow, revealing the health and history of E17 from the late 19th century to the 1970s.
February 2026 Talk [via zoom]
Beneath the City Streets – London’s Unseen History
Peter Lawrence takes a fresh look at London’s development and history over the best part of two thousand years.
Much of our capital’s past is now underground but clues remain on the surface as to what is beneath our feet. From ancient archaeology to rivers that once meandered through open fields and remain today beneath central London.
The southern reaches of the Fleet, as shown on the “Copperplate” map of London surveyed between 1553 and 1559
January 2026 Talk
Famous Blue Plaques of the East End
Gary Lewis will tell the stories of people, places and events including Sid Godley, VC winner at Mons in 1914, Grove Road, Bow where on 13th June 1944 the first V1 rocket fell on London and killed six people and Beryl Swain who in 1962 was the first woman to ride solo in the Isle of Man TT race.
Blue Plaque at 18 Grosvenor Park Road, Walthamstow
Summer walks with WHS: Such an Up-and-Coming Area! ~ A Churchyard Trail
Discover the stories of some of the people who lived in the grand houses of Walthamstow and are buried in St Mary’s churchyard. Find out what happened to the properties where they lived; some long since demolished and others just about standing!
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/summer-walks-2025-4440963
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you once you book.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up tickets for others ~ Thank you!
Summer Walks with WHS: Walthamstow's Alternative Village
Join Neil Houghton as he looks at Walthamstow in a different way.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/summer-walks-2025-4440963
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you once you book.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up tickets for others ~ Thank you!
Summer Walks with WHS
A Wander Around Church End
Take a closer look at the historic heart of Walthamstow with Jacqueline Baker. From centuries-old buildings to surprising remnants of the area’s rural past, this walk will uncover stories that shaped Church End and its people.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/summer-walks-2025-4440963
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you once you book.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up tickets for others ~ Thank you!
Summer Walks with WHS
Discover the Wetlands
Come join us for an exciting adventure into the beautiful wetlands led by WHS member and wetlands volunteer David Baker. An introduction to the heritage and wildlife of Walthamstow Wetlands, this walk will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the importance of wetlands in our environment and why the reservoirs are so important for us. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and learn from a passionate expert.
Book your free place via https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/summer-walks-2025-4440963
1) The meeting place will be emailed to you once you book.
2) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as the walk can start promptly.
3) Once booked, if you are unable to attend, PLEASE CANCEL your ticket(s) to free up tickets for others ~ Thank you!
November Talk
Steve Jenkins talks about Clapton Orient's major contribution to the Footballers’ Battalion in the Great War.
September Talk
Forest Gate resident Robert Nurden, charts his grandfather’s unconventional life, based on his biography Between Heaven and Earth.
June Talk
Neil Houghton sets the story of the building of St. Saviour’s Church (which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024) within its local context.
May Talk
AGM and Members’ Social followed by A Walk through the Website
An opportunity to meet socially in the garden at St Saviour’s Church from 7pm before the AGM. Afterwards Rachael Mitas, WHS member & website designer, will introduce us to the brand new WHS website.
April Talk
Dr Ruth Cherrington will offer insights into the history, development and decline of Working Men’s Clubs.