This area is situated in Leytonstone – a grid of medium-sized Victorian terraces and semis. Historically a poorer part of London, this locale has benefited from the recent upsurge in popularity around Stratford after the regenerations that came with the Olympics. The housing is fairly homogeneous, with patterned brick, ornate bay windows and barge boards giving the pollarded streets a homely and authentic feel. The locale is serviced by Leytonstone and Snaresbrook tube stations, both of which are on the Central line, meaning it takes just under 15 minutes to arrive into the city. Other amenities include a large Tesco at the southern edge of Epping Forest and Whipps Cross University Hospital between James Lane and Whipps Cross Road. Many cosy and independent cafes and pubs line High Road Leytonstone which still reserves the atmosphere of a quiet London town. An 18- acre chunk of the ancient Epping Forest houses the stunning Snaresbrook Crown Court – the largest crown court in the UK, housed in a grandiose grade-II listed Victorian building designed by the same architects as St Pancras railway station. The local schools are Leytonstone School, Connaught School for Girls and Norlington School for Boys – all rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The legacy of Leytonstone’s earliest historical significance can be found at the intersection of Hollybush Hill and New Wanstead Road; an obelisk from the 1800s sits atop a base of probably Roman origin. The early town was a gateway to London walked through by the likes of the 10th Roman legion as well as more dubious individuals such as the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin in the 1700s. Another bastion of local history is Leytonstone House just east of the Tesco, by the Green Man roundabout. This was the home of a conservationist MP, Edward Buxton, who played a key role in the protection of Epping, Hainault, and Hatfield forests during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The mansion would go on to house a workhouse for victorian children, and then a mental hospital before being converted into a set of offices.

The film legend who inspired the thriller genre was born and raised in the Leytonstone area. Alfred Hitchcock had a miserably underwhelming start to his life when strict parenting and obesity fostered a childhood of friendlessness. The young Hitchcock was excused from military service during WWII due to inadequate fitness, and his first few films in his early 20s were full-blown failures. It wasn’t until he filmed ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’, his first thriller, at the age of 28 that his fortunes turned and the film became a sensation.

For a brief spell of time, the locale saw the establishment of an ‘autonomous republic’ called Leytonstonia in opposition to the M11 road extension through this part of east London. This was a squatter’s camp set up to protest against the removal of a 200- year-old chestnut tree, several homes, and later a house on Fillebrook Road.

This house then also became a self-proclaimed micro-nation with its own flag and anthem and was given the name Munstonia after the 60s American haunted house series, ‘The Munsters’. It took authorities over a month to fully evict the Munstonia squatters.

According to locals, Leytonstone is often seen as economically deprived. During the 2000s multiple shop closures led the council to spend on reversing the faltering demand in the area. As a result, the high streets now have a more elegant touch, although some parts of the area might still bear the legacy of a more run-down Stratford outskirts However, the locale is increasingly popular and is transitioning towards a brighter future.

House prices have risen and continue to rise at a faster rate than the London average making property here an attractive investment following an influx of council funding. The Peabody Trust has recently delivered 79, 100% affordable, new properties to Union Close. In total, the council has promised the delivery of up to 500 new council, affordable, and private homes and £500,000 for shop fronts and street improvements. Plans for a 24 home scheme looking onto Christchurch Green are also under review by the council