Upminster is a suburban locale located in East London. This neighbourhood area boarders the areas of Cranham, North Ockendon, Bulphan and is part of the London Borough of Havering. Unlike much of London, it is surrounded by open green spaces such as Upminster Hall Playing Fields where users play football, rugby and cricket. Upminster was said to have been inhabited by Celtic farmers, with the open green spaces still marked by rectilinear patterns distinctive potentially created by these peoples. The area is well served with a rail line, as well as two tube stations, one of which can get one into central London in approximately 30 minutes.

From the 1st century, a Romano-British farmstead was in this area, highlighting the importance farming had in Upminster. Upminster’s agricultural history, began to decline as the railways were introduced to Upminster in the late 19th century – since more homes were built, previous land used for agriculture was sold off to meet housing needs, this caused an increase in Upminster’s population. The local population was recorded in the 1086 Doomsday book at 39, by 1695 it had risen by almost a factor of 10 to 370. Today Upminster’s population sits at around 12,833.

Upminster Windmill reflects the intersection of the area’s agricultural and industrial history. The French revolutionary wars and rising London population meant demand for grain increased. James Nokes, a local entrepreneur, subsequently built the famous windmill by 1805 which sits on Hunts Farm, at Corbets Tey.

According to the 2011 census, Upminster’s population is 91.6 per cent white British, making it one of the most ethnically homogeneous places in London. Such homogeneity can restrict the benefits of cultural diversity.

In 2015, renovation works for the Upminster Windmill began. A grade II* listed building, the windmill is considered amongst the best remaining English smock mills. While the project has suffered a number of delays, with its expected reopening constantly being moved the following year, it is expected that works will be completed and the space finally open to the public in early 2023.

In early 2022, plans for 35 detached homes to be built on a local pitch and putt course were put forward. Permission was granted for the project despite receiving over 800 objections. The scheme aims to deliver four three-bedroom houses, eleven four-bedroom houses and 20 five-bedroom houses. Developer Abbey New Homes, expects to complete the development, which they have called ‘The Fairways’, in late 2023/early 2024 if they get the green light.