IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Cromer Road, HORNCHURCH, RM11 1EY

This is the eighteenth century orangey in Image see http://www.friendsoflangtonsgardens.co.uk/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langtons for more information

It's logical to think that this is the emblem of Hornchurch, maybe due to the history of the leather tanning industry in the village, or perhaps because of a similar head adorning St Andrew's church a few hundred yards distance. See Image for its history.

A late 18th century former country house and garden now surrounded by suburban London. In 1929 the last family to live there left it to the local council, Hornchurch UDC at the time, which later merged into the London Borough of Havering. It's now a popular wedding venue, with the garden open as a very pleasant public park. More info on Wiki. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langtons

The Romford to Upminster Line was constructed in 1893 as a branch of the London, Tilbury & Southend Railway from Upminster. This opened on 7th June 1893 at a second station in Romford which was combined with the main station at Romford in 1934. Emerson Park station was opened on 1st October 1909 as Emerson Park Halt. A video about the line can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TwuKTthbTU There is a half hourly London Overground train to either Romford and Upminster from the single bi-directional platform. This view looks under Butts Green Road towards Romford.

Langtons was given to the Borough of Hornchurch in 1929, it was used as council offices until 1965 when Hornchurch became part of Havering. See http://www.friendsoflangtonsgardens.co.uk/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langtons for more information

The Western addition to the original building is this beautifully decorated marriage room. The Eastern wing contains its twin, but in pale blue.

Late Georgian country house, now used as a registry office and wedding venue.

View across the lake to the 18th century Langtons House.

This handsome house, built on the site of an older house in the early 18th century, stands in a beautiful landscaped garden with a lake, orangery, bath house and a gazebo, all dating from the end of the 18th century, when Hornchurch was a rural settlement. The house was purchased in 1797 by John Massu, whose family were originally Huguenot refugees, and had become wealthy silk merchants in the City of London. He set about modernising Langtons, to which he added the two-storey wings that project on the south front. Humphrey Repton was commissioned to design the garden and created the serpentine lake and planted many trees some of which stand to this day. Best of all is the magnificent Cedar of Lebanon tree in prime position on the lawn in front of the Southern elevation. The house was given to the Hornchurch District Council in 1929 on condition that it remains unaltered and is for the use of the council only. Also that the gardens are maintained for the free use by the general public. The building is now used primarily as a Registry Office and wedding venue.