Barkingside
Barkingside is a district of Ilford within the London Borough of Redbridge in north east London. It used to be a part of Essex till Redbridge was established in 1965. It's mainly known for Barnardo’s, the children’s charity, which was founded there in 1866. It retains 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.
Several of the buildings down the High Street are owned by Lord Alan Sugar, and you can find a great deal of other amenities in the district. The Fullwell Cross Library is a Grade II listed building, 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 next to Barkingside tube station. Barkingside Recreational Ground in Mossford Green is a popular open space with residents. Also, footballer Trevor Brooking who played for West Ham United and England went to 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.
