HISTORY OF ILFORD

VALENTINE'S PARK

Local officials were worried that without an area for relaxation and pleasure for the ever-growing urban population all traces of rural Ilford would disappear. A park was built, pieced together with purchased land and gifts of estate from interested parties. It opened in 1899 under the name of Cranbrook Park and also became known as Central Park.

Message: "Arrived safe & sound. Sorry have not sent before. Hope you are all well. Much love, Alice."

Posted: 8th October 1904

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Messages were not allowed on postcard backs before 1902, therefore publishers often left a blank space on the front so a short message could be included. Message on the front reads: "Arrived home safely. Hope you are having a good time. Everything all satisfactory at No. 80. Start back tomorrow. Don't feel much like it. Love from all, Arthur"

Posted: 17th August 1902

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Message (On the front): "Many thanks for your card. Yours truly, R Fetherstone"

Posted: 22nd July 1902

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Message: "Dear E, Please accept my best wishes for a 'appy and jolly Xmas. Mind you behave yourself. I'm afraid I'll have to come and see after you all. Still having a good time "up Top". Bye bye, yours sincerely, Harry"

Posted: 22nd December 1908

An early-style Christmas card!

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Message:  "Dear Arthur, Just a card to wish you many happy returns of today, Love to all from Flo".

Posted: 13th August 1910

During the 18th century Roman burials were found in the area of Valentines Park which later became a golf course. A stone coffin and a cremation urn were discovered, but no formal excavations occurred afterwards. The Roman urn shown in the picture, situated near the small lake, was fated to be smashed.

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Message:  "My dear Babs, Aren't you ashamed of me? I did not get up until 11 o'clock this morning. Hope you are enjoying yourself as much as I am. Give my love to Cath & your mother & father, with best love."

Posted: 13th April 1909

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Compiled by Raymond Small

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