Barkingside
Barkingside is a district of Ilford within 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 known for Barnardo’s, the children’s charity, which was founded there in 1866. It still has 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.
Many of the buildings along the High Street are owned by Lord Alan Sugar, and you can find lots of other amenities within 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, believed to have introduced red and yellow cards. Residents selected 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 well known open space with residents. Also, footballer Trevor Brooking who played for West Ham United and England went to Ilford County High School within the area. Scott Malvern, British Racing driver, also was born in Barkingside and attended Caterham High School, which is a sports academy attended by youth team players of West Ham.
