Barkingside
Barkingside is a district of Ilford inside the London Borough of Redbridge in north east London. It used to be an area of Essex till Redbridge was established in 1965. It's primarily recognised for Barnardo’s, the children’s charity, which was founded there in 1866. It continues to have its headquarters there. The oldest buildings in Barkingside are the Barnardo’s chapel, the London Underground station and Holy Trinity Church. Barkingside is a diverse district, with an unusually high population of London’s Jewish community.
Numerous buildings down the High Street belong to Lord Alan Sugar, and there are plenty of other amenities inside the district. The Fullwell Cross Library is a Grade II listed building, constructed in a distinctive circular shape. A leisure centre also holds the same name. Ken Aston Square was opened in 2014, named after a local head teacher and football referee, thought to have introduced red and yellow cards. Residents picked the name from a shortlist.
Redbridge FC play non-league football at the Oakside stadium, which is adjacent to Barkingside tube station. Barkingside Recreational Ground in Mossford Green is a well-known open space with residents. Also, footballer Trevor Brooking who played for West Ham United and England attended Ilford County High School in the area. Scott Malvern, British Racing driver, also spent his youth in Barkingside and attended Caterham High School, which is a sports academy attended by youth team players of West Ham.
