South Woodford

Infobox UK place
official_name= South Woodford
map_type= Greater London
region= London
country= England
london_borough= Redbridge
constituency_westminster= Chingford and Woodford Green
constituency_westminster1= Ilford North
constituency_westminster2= Leyton and Wanstead
post_town= LONDON
postcode_area= E
postcode_district= E18
dial_code= 020
os_grid_reference= TQ405905
latitude= 51.593453
longitude= 0.025717

South Woodford is a suburb of north-east London in the London Borough of Redbridge, situated convert|8.9|mi|km|1|lk=on north-east of Charing Cross. Together with Woodford Green and Woodford Bridge it forms the area known as Woodford, the origins of which date back at least to the Saxon period. It was part of Essex until 1965.

Amenities

South Woodford's retail and business area is centred around George Lane — the main high street for the district — and Woodford Green High Road. There are a number of well-known chain store shops and a good selection of smaller shops, restaurants, cafes, and two post offices, including a royal mail sorting office.

There is an Odeon cinema in the High Road, which is the only cinema in the area. Other amenities include a number of green areas, many of which form part of Epping Forest.

There are numerous churches and chapels representing many Christian denominations, as well as several synagogues and a mosque.

This area was also, until 2004, home to the student residences of Queen Mary, University of London, but the distinctive tower blocks were demolished in 2007 and replaced with lower-rise privately-owned apartments.

Transport

George Lane itself is split into two by the Central Line rail track with the northern part of the road containing the majority of shops and businesses. There was originally a level crossing at this point, but now a flyover carries traffic between the east and west sides of George Lane.

South Woodford sits at the junction of the North Circular Road with the start of the M11 motorway, which begins at "Charlie Brown's" roundabout. The roundabout is named after a pub/transport café which was demolished when the roundabout was enlarged to accommodate flyover sliproads onto the newly-constructed motorway.

The area is served by South Woodford tube station in Zone 4 on the Central Line of the London Underground. There are many bus routes which connect South Woodford to other parts of London, including the N55 night bus from central London.

Education

Churchfields and Oakdale schools, both with junior and infant departments are in the area, together with St Josephs' Convent voluntary maintained school.

Notable individuals associated with South Woodford

For a comprehensive list of notable individuals of Woodford: see also|Woodford#Notable_Individuals_associated_with_Woodford

*Terry Chimes, rock and roll drummer of Black Sabbath and Clash now has a chiropractic practice in the area.
*Vince Clarke, founder member of Depeche Mode and member of Erasure and Yazoo.
*Tony Robinson, actor and TV personality
*William Morris lived for some time next to St Mary's church, South Woodford, on the site of the present-day Memorial Hall.

Current residents include:

* Meera Syal writer and actor.
*Sanjeev Bhaskar actor.
* Danielle Lloyd
* Sid Owen

Nearest areas

* Highams Park
* Snaresbrook
* Wanstead
* Woodford Bridge
* Woodford Green

References