Waltham Forest Archives
@lbwfarchives.bsky.social
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Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library, Chingford Assembly Hall, Station Road, London E4 7EN. Collections documenting history of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Research visits by prior appointment. Email [email protected]
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lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Solomon Plaatje (1876-1932). Co-founder of South African Native National Congress 1912. Author of 'Native Life in South Africa'. A member of SANNC delegation to England in 1914, Plaatje lived at 25 Carnarvon Road, Leyton in 1914-15. 📷 Creative Commons portrait is.gd/kYmTJc plaque is.gd/1KCNw4 #BHM25
Photographic portrait of Solomon Plaatje c.1900.

Source: Creative Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sol_Plaatje_002.jpg Plaque at 25 Carnarvon Road, Leyton. Photographed by Spudgun67, 2014.

Source: Creative Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solomon_T._Plaatje_1876-1932_-_Greater_London_Council_Blue_Plaque.jpg Cover of biography of Sol Plaatje, from our Local Studies Library.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Huge thanks to Peter Ashan for sharing all his knowledge and expertise in an excellent workshop last Saturday, to celebrate Black History Month in Waltham Forest. We learnt a lot, and look forward to the next one! #BHM25
Peter Ashan signing books after his Black History Month workshop in the Searchroom on Sat 11 Oct. Facsimiles of the portrait of the Malagasy refugees who lived in Walthamstow from 1839-41, and of a section of Coe's map of Walthamstow showing Marsh Street, 1822. From the Searchroom display for Peter Ashan's Black History Month workshop on Sat 11 Oct. Ephemera relating to the career of Laurie Cunningham (1956-1989), from the Searchroom display for Peter Ashan's Black History Month workshop on Sat 11 Oct. Peter Ashan speaking at his Black History Month workshop in the Searchroom on Sat 11 Oct.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
@londontopsoc.bsky.social You are added to the starter pack! We saw a notification for your message, but we're unable to view or reply to DMs at present, apologies.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
London local history and heritage organisations starter pack, now updated to welcome @londontopsoc.bsky.social to Bluesky! go.bsky.app/6ZX5gxf
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Keith Boyce (1943-1996), cricketer born in Barbados. Played for Walthamstow Cricket Club, Essex CCC 1966-77, & West Indies cricket team 1971-75. He was first man to take eight wickets in a List A match 1971. Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1974. 📷 Portrait courtesy Peter Edwards Museum & Library #BHM25
Photographic portrait of Keith Boyce, courtesy of Peter Edwards Museum & Library.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Thanks for your enquiry. There may be relevant images in the Photo Collection. Please would you email us at [email protected] so that we can reply.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Just one hour left! Drop in before 2pm today for our Black History Month Open day, and meet the lovely team from Waltham Forest Twinning Association!
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Black History Month Open Day in our Searchroom today, Sat 11 Oct! Drop in between 11am to 2pm to see a range of sources from our collections, including a tabletop display of the exhibition 'Cultural Diversity in Waltham Forest'. Hope you can join us!
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Abdullah Susi (d.1891) & James Chuma (1850-1882) accompanied David Livingstone on African journeys 1866-73. In 1874 they lived in Leytonstone with Rev Horace Waller whilst contributing to his edition of 'The Last Journals of David Livingstone'. 📷 Portrait commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ch... #BHM25
View of St John's church, Leytonstone, late 19th century.

Print from VHM collection, available in our Searchroom. Portraits of Abdullah Susi & James Chuma, etching from Wellcome Collection via Creative Commons.

Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chumah_and_Susah,_David_Livingstone%27s_servants._Etching._Wellcome_V0018838,_crop.jpg
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Just two days until our Black History Month Open Day on Sat 11 Oct! This is a free, drop in event from 11am-2pm, in our Searchroom at Chingford Assembly Hall, The Green, Station Road E4 7EN. Hope you can join us!
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Franklyn Georges, former Leytonstone resident who grew up in Dominica. A trade union activist and educator, in 1990/91 he was Waltham Forest's first mayor of African-Caribbean heritage. 📷 Portrait © Vestry House Museum, from collection available in our Searchroom. #BHM25
Photographic portrait of Franklyn Georges, Mayor of Waltham Forest 1990/91.

Photo © Vestry House Museum, from collection available in our Searchroom.
Reposted by Waltham Forest Archives
chingfordhist.bsky.social
#Free Talk next Saturday 11 October. Find out more about the life of author and photographer James Arthur Brimble with Gary Stone
📍The View, Ranger’s Rd #Chingford
🗓️ Saturday 11th October
🕰️ 12-1
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-life-a...
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Sarah Razafy, Mary Rafaravavy, James Andrianisa, Simeon Andrianomanana, Joseph Rasoamaka & David Ratsarahomba, the Malagasy Christian refugees who lived with members of Marsh St Congregational Church, Walthamstow, 1839-41. Sarah (2nd left) died in 1840 & was buried at Marsh St burial ground. #BHM25
Colour print portrait of the Malagasy Christian refugees who lived in Walthamstow from 1839. On the left are Mary Rafaravavy in a red cloak with gold edging, and Sarah Razafy in a dark blue cloak. In the centre, two of the men sit behind a large rock, one in a red cloak with gold edging, and the second in a brown cloak. The other two men are on the right, one standing in a white robe, the other seated in a brown cloak. Manuscript comprising Biblical quotations written and signed by James Andrianisa and Simeon Andrianomanana, c.1840.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Only 4 places are now available for Peter Ashan's Black History Month workshop on Sat 11 October! Book your free place today www.ticketsource.co.uk/walthamfores...
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Book now - Black History Month workshop with Peter Ashan on Sat 11 October! Join us at 3pm for this chance to learn about Peter's research for his acclaimed book 'Freedom Walks'. Free event, booking essential: www.ticketsource.co.uk/walthamfores...
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Zena Edmund-Charles, born in Jamaica in 1932. A Leytonstone resident & former community midwife, she was practice nurse at Langthorne Health Centre 1985-2015. In 2006 she became a Fellow of @theqicn.bsky.social. Their heritage website gives her story qicnheritage.org.uk/stories/zena... #BHM25 #BH365
Photographic portrait of Zena Edmund-Charles.

Photo courtesy of Zena Edmund-Charles.
Langthorne Health Centre, Leytonstone 1989.

Photo ©Vestry House Museum, from the Waltham Forest in Focus collection, available in our Searchroom.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
We believe not in Walthamstow Overseers' records. There may be mention in Bren Kennedy's History of Leyton which includes some primary sources collected by the Rev Bren. You will know already that Wanstead manorial records are held at Essex Record Office www.essexarchivesonline.co.uk/ViewCatalogu...
Essex Archives Online - Browse Catalogue D/DCw
www.essexarchivesonline.co.uk
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Walthamstow Overseers' account book 1775-76. This page includes an entry recording payment to Widow Warr for 'nursing the Black Child' for 28 weeks at 3s 6d per day. #BHM25 #BHMUK
Page from Walthamstow Overseers' account book 1775-76. Halfway down the page is an entry recording payment to Widow Warr for 'nursing the Black Child' for 28 weeks at 3s 6d per day.
Reposted by Waltham Forest Archives
redbridgemuseum.bsky.social
A great action shot of Woodford Rugby Club players in 1983! 🏉

The Club was formed in 1924 and used a pitch next to the Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford. They later moved to a ground in Highams Park, where they still play today.

#NSHD2025 @sportingheritage.bsky.social
Black and white photo of three players of the Woodford Rugby Club team in action
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
The Great Eastern suburban rail tour bound for Enfield, Chingford & Ongar: 69621 approaching Lea Bridge from the Stratford direction, April 1962. #Railway200 📷 ©Vestry House Museum, from collection available in our Searchroom.
The Great Eastern suburban rail tour bound for Enfield, Chingford & Ongar: 69621 approaching Lea Bridge from the Stratford direction, April 1962.

Image ©Vestry House Museum.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Chingford station c.1900. Built in 1878 to replace the station near Chingford Green, it was soon a popular destination for tourists visiting Epping Forest. In 1882 Queen Victoria travelled by train to Chingford station for the ceremony at High Beach dedicating the Forest to the people. #Railway200
Chingford station c.1900. The station buildings fill the middle distance. A horse drawn passenger cart is just right of centre. At front left is a policeman, his back to the viewer. At front right a group of women, two with cycles, enter the station forecourt. In front of this group is a woman carrying a large handbag, accompanying two girls wearing large white hats

Postcard image from VHM collection, available in our Searchroom.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Walthamstow station in 1961. Built in 1894, the station was renamed Walthamstow Queen's Road in 1968. #Railway200
📷 ©Vestry House Museum, from collection available in our Searchroom.
Walthamstow station in 1961.

Photo ©Vestry House Museum, from collection available in our Searchroom.
Reposted by Waltham Forest Archives
westminsterwalks.bsky.social
Discover two very different parts of #WalthamForest this weekend. #Chingford on Saturday at 12 and #Walthamstow on Sunday at 2. Close in distance but have v different histories. Both with @footprintsoflondon.bsky.social #LoveLondon www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/waltham-f...
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
The level crossing at Highams Park station, 1906. #Railway200
📷 Postcard image from VHM collection, available in our Searchroom.
The level crossing at Highams Park station, 1906. 

📷 VHM collection, available in our Searchroom.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Aerial view of Lea Bridge station, c.1920s.
#Railway200 📷 From VHM collection, available in our Searchroom.
Aerial photograph showing Lea Bridge station, c.1920s. The station is at bottom of the image, just right of centre.

📷 From VHM collection, available in our Searchroom.
lbwfarchives.bsky.social
Thanks so much for this! We had some doubts about mention of Gospel Oak, but copied the caption as shown on the digitised image. We'll check the original photo as soon as possible to see if other information is given on the reverse or possibly in the collection record. We'll let you know the result.