Rainham, London

infobox UK place
country = England
map_type = Greater London
region= London
population=
official_name= Rainham
constituency_westminster= Hornchurch
post_town= RAINHAM
london_borough= Havering
postcode_area= RM
postcode_district= RM13
dial_code= 01708
os_grid_reference= TQ525825
latitude= 51.5177
longitude= 0.1948

Rainham (pronEng|ˈreɪnəm) is a place in the London Borough of Havering in East London, England. It is a suburban development located convert|13.6|mi|km|1|lk=on east of Charing Cross with a population of 12,114 (including the nearby small village of Wennington). [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5942027&c=Rainham&d=14&e=16&g=336943&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 "Neighbourhood Statistics: Rainham and Wennington (Ward)"] (Office for National Statistics). Retrieved 30 December 2006.] The village has grown steadily over the last few hundreds of years to the town that it is today. Rainham has maintained most of its historical features, such as the Norman church and Victorian buildings in the centre of the village.

Rainham forms part of the London Riverside section of the Thames Gateway regeneration area, in addition to having a large quantity of undeveloped land owned by the London Development Agency. As such, it is the target of several proposals for redevelopment. Rainham gives its name to the Rainham Marshes which border the town to the south and extend to Purfleet in the east.

History

Etymology

The first recorded use is in 1086 as "Renaham" and it is thought to mean ‘homestead or village of a man called Regna’. [Mills, A., "Oxford Dictionary of London Place Names", (2000)] It is also possible that it follows the other Rainham in Kent on the south side of the Thames ("Roegingaham"); meaning ‘settlement of the ruling people’.cite book | last = Evans | first = Brian | title = Bygone Dagenham and Rainham | publisher = Phillimore | date = 1992 | id = ISBN 0-85033-831-X ]

Prehistory

Evidence of settlement in the Rainham area has been discovered in the flood plains that surround the riverside area, flint tools from as early as the Paleolithic period (250,000 years ago), and the earliest earthworks date from the Neolithic period. In 1963, a Neolithic ring ditch was discovered in Launders Lane, shortly before gravel extraction was to begin on this site. It surrounds a pit approximately convert|50|ft|m|0 in diameter; evidence suggests that it may have been used for ancient rituals. Fragments of pottery were found in the pit, along with some flint tools, as well as pottery beakers; a complete Bronze Age pottery beaker was found at Gerpins Lane quarry.

In 1990, construction work began on a Tesco supermarket in Rainham. Trenches dug by archaeologists revealed possible deposits from a past river or stream, stake lines and fences were also discovered, in addition to pits containing fire-cracked pebbles, possibly also from the Bronze Age. Iron Age pottery was also discovered on the same site, in rubbish pits also containing animal bone. The bones and other evidence suggest that these prehistoric residents were a flourishing community of fishermen, farmers, and hunters.

At Moor Hall Farm, ten burial chambers from the late Bronze Age (700–600 BC) were unearthed; small pits containing a burial urn and pots for food and drink for the after-life. Small flint blades were also discovered, possibly to act as tools. Artefacts from the early Iron Age (500–200 BC) were also discovered here, along with several circular and semi-circular ditches. Archaeologists believe that these represented a possible settlement, further evidence to suggest this include pottery and daub found nearby. Continued excavation found a triple ditch enclosure, thought to have been used as a defence mechanism.

Roman Empire

Rainham as it is known today has grown from a Roman village, which is now at the centre of the town. Until occupation by the Romans, Rainham itself had neither a name or identity. Remains of Roman activity were discovered during the two year excavation of Moor Hall Farm (1979–81). Ditches marking boundaries and settlements mimicked those from the Iron Age. Archaeologists could not confirm this area as a definite settlement, although small working areas were discovered, including small sand and gravel quarries. [ cite book | last = Curtis | first = Sue | title = Dagenham and Rainham Past | publisher = Phillimore | date = 2000 | id = ISBN 1-86077-129-7 | pages=14-15]

However, settlement further away from village area itself was hinted at by the discovery of a corn grinding mill, worked by hand. This evidence was unearthed at what is now a Jewish cemetery, and dated back to around AD 150. Suggestion of an affluent lifestyle was signalled by luxurious Continental pottery unearthed on site.

In 1928, a stone coffin was uncovered north of New Road (the A1306 road), containing two people lying head to foot. They were identified as 4th century Romans, one female. Along with the bodies, a glass cup and a coin (of Tetrarchus, emperor of a short-lived empire comprising Great Britain, Gaul, Germany and Spain) were found. The burial site was discovered away from any Roman settlement, as required by Roman law.

Beyond the Romans

The next period of settlement in Rainham was Anglo-Saxon. It is now believed that Romano-Britons may have had a pact with the Anglo-Saxons, paying them to guard the shores of Britain. No archaeological evidence has been discovered of an Anglo-Saxon settlement, although many items of Saxon origin were discovered at Gerpins Farm in 1937. The artefacts were mainly grave goods, amongst these shield bosses, spearheads, jewellery, pottery and two glass drinking horns. In addition, two coins, brooches, rings, and wooden buckets were revealed.cite book | last = Curtis | first = Sue | title = Dagenham and Rainham Past | publisher = Phillimore | date = 2000 | id = ISBN 1-86077-129-7 | pages=15-17]

There are also written records that provide more information about Saxon Rainham. The Barking Abbey charter of AD 697 tells of a settlement known as "Ricangahaam", a variation of "Roegingham" (see etymology above). The Domesday Book records Rainham as having an Anglo-Saxon population of 350, justifying the construction of a church. A font bowl was also discovered, originally thought to be of Anglo-Saxon origin but later found to be Norman. Data from the Domesday Book shows Rainham as being divided amongst four manors (Southall, Berwick, Gerpins and Launders). In 1066, Rainham had a population of 190. By 1086, this had increased to around 220. The location of Rainham away from main roads (at the time) meant that a massive growth in population did not occur for several centuries later.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the four manors recorded in the Domesday Book were broken down into smaller ownerships. This was primarily due to the dissolution of the manorial labour system, popular in the 14th century. The Black Death of 1349 made this system unprofitable, so it became more common for the lord of the manor to hire out land to tenant farmers, who were responsible for paying rent and sourcing their own labour. This method of hiring workers made the creation of many small farms possible.

The 18th century Rainham Hall, pictured right, sits adjacent to the church. Dated to the year 1727, it is now owned by the National Trust.cite web |url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-rainhamhall/ |title=Rainham Hall|publisher=National Trust |accessdate=2007-05-19]

t. Helen and St. Giles Church

St. Helen and St. Giles Church (pictured right) is a recognisable landmark of Rainham and is the oldest building in Havering (being Norman). The church retains many of its original features, for example the round-headed arches. It was founded by Richard de Lucy, the son-in-law of Henry II of England. Construction of the church took place between 1160 and 1170. The church was restored during the period of 1893–1906, yet it is still thought to closely resemble its original condition. It is somewhat famous amongst local schoolchildren for a prominent piece of graffiti, "The Ship", carved into a wall of the church. It gives its name to a small cafe opposite, and owned by the church. [cite book | last = Bird | first = E.A. | title = The Two Villages | id = ISBN R-147-656-X9 | pages=6]

20th century onwards

Rainham distinctly remained a village up until relatively late in its urban development, with the home building that would boost Rainham into town status only arriving in the 1920s and 30s. The construction of new homes was mainly down to weekend homebuilders, but also due to homes constructed to house the workers in the various industries in Ferry Lane (a road leading down to the Thames).

Rainham constituted a civil parish in the Romford Rural District of Essex from 1894. In 1934 the rural district was abolished and Rainham then became part of Hornchurch Urban District. The parish was abolished in 1965 when the former area of the urban district became part of the London Borough of Havering in Greater London. [ [http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit_page.jsp?u_id=10245588&c_id=10001043 "Rainham parish"] (Vision of Britain) ( [http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/bound_map_page.jsp?first=true&u_id=10245588&c_id=10001043 "Historic map"] ). Retrieved 30 December 2006.]

A large clocktower War Memorial (pictured right) is the focal point of Rainham, situated on Broadway. Unveiled in 1921 by Sir Francis Whitmore, has three clock faces and was built to commemorate those lost in World War I. The Angel Inn, a public house also on Broadway, previously known as the Redberry, was demolished and rebuilt in 1905. [http://www.rainhamweb.co.uk/history/past4.html "Angel Inn reconstruction"] (RainhamWeb). (Reproduced from "Bygone Dagenham and Rainham"Brian Adams). Retrieved 30 December 2006.]

Before the relatively recent industrialisation of the Thames in Rainham, Rainham Beach (also known as Rainham-on-Thames) was a tourist spot frequented by day-trippers from east London. The Three Crowns pub (built in 1830, since swallowed up by the construction of a factory) [http://www.rainhamweb.co.uk/history/past3.html "Closure of the Three Crowns"] (RainhamWeb). (Reproduced from "Bygone Dagenham and Rainham"Brian Adams). Retrieved 30 December 2006.] was a popular spot with tourists as it was a port of call for the Long Ferry, which ran between Gravesend and London. The Thames at Rainham is the location of "The Diver" sculpture.

Geography and transport

Rainham is almost contiguous with Dagenham and South Hornchurch; the latter is included in the Rainham post town while Dagenham and Rainham are soon to form a single parliamentary constituency. The River Ingrebourne, which flows through Hornchurch, divides into Rainham Creek and Rainham Marsh here. Rainham is susceptible to flooding, and although no major incidents have occurred recently, future rises in the level of the Thames (due to global warming, storm surges, or other factors) could inundate a large area of Rainham.Greater London Authority - [http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/images/maps-diagrams/jpg/map-4a-1.jpgIndicative Flood Risk Areas] . Retrieved 26 March 2008.] The A1306 road passes through Rainham and acts an alternative route to the main A13 road between Central London and the Dartford Crossing. Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve is located on the nearby Rainham, Wennington, and Aveley Marshes.

High Speed 1 and the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway pass through the area. Rainham railway station is served by c2c train services running between Fenchurch Street railway station and Grays. Several London Bus routes pass through the area [ [http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/spiders/pdf/rainham-10323.pdf "Bus services for Rainham"] - (PDF) (Transport for London). Retrieved 30 December 2006.] and it is anticipated that there will be future improvements in local transport, with Rainham eventually being served by the East London Transit scheme. [ [http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/east-london-transit/int.shtml "East London Transit"] (Transport for London). Retrieved 30 December 2006.] Havering London Borough Council has voiced support for the Rainham extension to be included in one of its earliest phases. [ [http://www.havering.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=8143 "Mayor of London blocks Havering's Casino bid"] London Borough of Havering press release. Retrieved 12 November 2006.] Rainham is served by the following Transport for London contracted London Bus routes: 103, 165, 287, 372, 652 (school days only). The area is on the route of the London Outer Orbital Path.
-valign="top"|Nearest places
* Wennington
* Upminster
* Elm Park
* Hornchurch|Nearest railway stations
* Rainham railway station
* Purfleet railway station|Nearest tube stations
* Elm Park tube station
* Dagenham East tube station

Climate

This data was taken between 1971 and 2000 at the weather station in Greenwich, around convert|8.7|mi|km|1 south-west of Rainham:

Economy

The rice miller and manufacturer Tilda Rice operates a main plant from Coldharbour Lane, on the banks of the Thames. The waterside area to the south of Rainham is part of the London Riverside section of the Thames Gateway project. Havering London Borough Council lobbied the UK Government for permission to construct a ‘super casino’ in the area to support the local economy, however their application was rejected in May 2006. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5010808.stm "Casino plans rejected"] (BBC News). Retrieved 30 December 2006.]

Several large companies have operations and offices based in Rainham, including Keebles, Carpetright, Harveys Furniture, and Rainham Steel. These offices are situated mainly along the A13 or the A1306, which leads to Dagenham.

Demographics

As of the 2001 census, there were 12,114 residents, 4,811 households and 3,362 families living in Rainham. [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadDatasetList.do?a=3&b=5942027&c=Rainham&d=14&g=336943&i=1001x1003&m=0&enc=1&domainId=16 "Demographic statistics"] Office for National Statistics, 2001 Census. Retrieved 3 February 2007.] The population density was 19.97 people per hectare for the Havering area as a whole.

The racial break down of Rainham was as follows: 93.35% White, 1.26% mixed, 2.81% Asian or Asian British, 2.25% black or black British and 0.32% Chinese or other ethnic group. The religious make-up was 75.58% Christian, 1.81% Sikh, 0.65% Muslim, 0.54% Hindu, 0.26% Jewish, 0.12% Buddhist, 0.12% other religions, 12.04% no religion and 8.87% religion not stated. [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5942027&c=Rainham&d=14&e=16&g=336943&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1 "Race and religion tables"] National Statistics, 2001 Census. Retrieved 3 February 2007.]

As of the 2001 census, there are 4,589 residents who fall into the social category ABC1, which equates to 37.9% of the population in the ward of Rainham and Wennington. [http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=5942027&c=RM13+9AX&d=14&e=16&g=336943&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=0&s=1194989609263&enc=1&dsFamilyId=141] - Rainham and Wennington (Ward). Retrieved 13 November 2007.] The age distribution was: 5.32% aged 0–4, 15.63% aged 5–15, 5.02% aged 16–19, 33.78% aged 20-44, 24.92% aged 45–64 and 15.32% aged 65 years and older. The general health was described as follows: 70.49% good, 21.52% fairly good and 7.99% not good. 16.41% of people had a limiting long-term illness.

Education

Havering is the education authority for the district providing education in a mix of Foundation, community and voluntary aided schools.

Future

Many optimistic plans for Rainham have been put forward, such as a suggestion for the construction of a marina [ [http://www.actionforhornchurch.com/news/PR05/newsroom_PR05-11_BackingAdamsgate.htm Local Councillors join forces in support of positive vision for Rainham] - Plans for Rainham Marina. Retrieved 3 February 2007.] and casino, [ [http://www.havering.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5131 Consulting on casino complex in Rainham] - Plans for Rainham Casino. Retrieved 3 February 2007.] amongst other things; as of 2007 none of these plans have come to fruition. However, many controversial projects have been proposed, including construction of a prison.

It is hoped that with improved transport links, and Rainham’s participation in the Thames Gateway and London Riverside projects, and other events such as the opening of Rainham Marshes and the 2012 Olympic Games, Rainham will be regenerated with new housing and services.

Prison controversy

According to the Romford and Havering Post, Rainham is set for the construction of the largest prison in the UK. The plans for the prison, which will be a category B 1,500 capacity prison, [ [http://icessex.icnetwork.co.uk/essexheadlines/tm_headline=murderers-on-our-doorstep&method=full&objectid=18665557&siteid=100927-name_page.html] "Murderers on our doorstep" Suzi Muston, 23 February 2007 (London & Essex Newspapers Ltd). Retrieved 23 February 2007.] has angered many local residents and it has been suggested that Rainham is not benefiting from regeneration. It is unclear whether local opposition will stop construction on the proposed brownfield site (Beam Reach Business Park); however a large protest was organised by Councillor Jeff Tucker, to try and persuade the government to locate the prison elsewhere. [ [http://www.haveringpost.co.uk/content/essex/romfordpost/news/story.aspx?brand=RHWPOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsrhwp&itemid=WeED23%20Feb%202007%2010%3A17%3A32%3A393 UK's biggest prison set for Rainham] - Government plans for a prison. Retrieved 23 February 2007.] The protest took place on 14 April 2007, and it was estimated that around 6,000 people took part. The Home Office are now said to be in talks with the London Development Agency about the issue. [http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/content/havering/recorder/news/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=newsRomford&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsromford&itemid=WeED13%20Apr%202007%2012%3A54%3A06%3A250 Romford Recorder] - Home Office talks about prison. Retrieved 14 April 2007.] Around 50,000 leaflets have been distributed to homes in the area.

‘Super-church’

Another proposal for the Beam Reach area is a so-called ‘super-church’ which is also strongly protested over fears that the transport infrastructure of the village would be unable to cope with the estimated 8,000 strong congregation. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2006/11/19/lebo_church_feature.shtml "Anger over plans for super-church in Rainham"] 21 November 2006 (BBC London). Retrieved 14 April 2007.] The application, which has been received from the Kingsway International Christian Centre, has been granted permission to commence with ground work. [ [http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/content/havering/recorder/news/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=newsRomford&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsromford&itemid=WeED13%20Apr%202007%2012%3A45%3A58%3A747 "Church wins OK to clear Beam Reach"] 13 April 2007 (Romford Recorder). Retrieved 14 April 2007.] The KICC is having to move from its current site in Hackney because the area is being developed as part of the Olympic Village for the London 2012 Olympics. Again, Councillor Jeff Tucker has expressed his opposition to the proposal.

Local MP James Brokenshire has questioned the economic benefits that proposals would bring to the area. The Beam Reach area has been earmarked for business and economic development by the London Development Agency, the current landowner.the planning permission for this church was turned down on feb 14 2008

Gallery

ee also

*Rainham, Medway
*Wennington, London
*Rainham Marshes

References

External links

* [http://www.stoprainhamjail.com/ Stop Rainham Jail]
* [http://www.rainhamweb.co.uk/history/ Picture History of Rainham from RainhamWeb]
* [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Rainham,+Greater+London&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1 Satellite image of Rainham] (Centered on Broadway)
* [http://www.thechafford.co.uk The Chafford School]