Leyton
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Leyton is a town in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It is a suburban development located 6.2 miles (10 km) north east of Charing Cross.
Leyton means "Town on the River Ley" and the name has been used since the 9th century. Leyton is situated on the Prime Meridian and is less than 1 mile east of the site of the 2012 Olympic Park. Leyton Orient Football Club is also based here.
The New Spitalfields Market relocated in 1991 from the Old Spitalfields market, is the UK's leading horticultural market specialising in exotic fruit and vegetables.
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History and Features
Leyton was historically part of Essex and formed an urban district of that county from 1894. The district was originally part of the ancient parish of Low Leyton. It gained the status of municipal borough in 1926. In 1965 the Municipal Borough of Leyton was abolished and its former area transferred to Greater London to be combined with that of other districts to form the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The main route through the town is the High Road, which forms part of the ancient route to Waltham Abbey. At the top end of the High Road is a crossroads with Lea Bridge Road and Hoe Street. This junction and the surrounding district is known as Baker's Arms, named after the public house which still stands at the spot. There are 2 main shopping areas in the the town, located at opposite ends of the High Road. A new retail park is to be found at Leyton Mills. This has a large Asda store, a B&Q store and a selection of furniture and electrical stores. Baker's Arms, has a more traditional selection of shops lining Lea Bridge Road and the High Road, including a Woolworths and a Tesco.
In 1886 a pavilion was built at Leyton Cricket Ground, becoming the headquarters of Essex County Cricket Club until 1933, however Essex continued to play at Leyton until 1977. The pavilion still stands today.
The town is the home to Leyton Orient FC, who play at Brisbane Road. The stadium has recently been re-constructed, including improved terraces and some residential property.
During World War II, Leyton suffered as a target because of its close proximity to Temple Mills Yard. Image:Leytontownhall.jpg
Estates
Transport
The town of Leyton is served by the Central Line of London Underground, with a station located at the southern end of the High Road. There is a station at Midland Road on the Gospel Oak to Barking line. The town is well-served by buses, with 24 hour services running along the High Road and Lea Bridge Road.
Nearest tube stations
Nearest railway stations
- Forest Gate railway station
- Leytonstone High Road railway station
- Leyton Midland Road railway station