The Bushwood Area of Leytonstone, commonly referred to as just Bushwood, is a part of Leytonstone in East London which borders the greenery of Wanstead Flats. It is located south of the apex of High Road Leytonstone & Bush Road, just off the Green Man roundabout. The area is determined by the curved boundary of the road called ‘Bushwood’ to the east and south, where it extends along Lister Road, and by the High Road Leytonstone to the west and north west.
History
Named after the ancient woodland of Bush Wood, which it borders, Bushwood includes a Conservation Area. Designated by Waltham Forest Council in March 1973, The Browning Road Conservation Area consists of terraces of ‘Georgian’ cottages. These were preserved as a reminder of the special historic and architectural interest present during the rapid urbanisation of the then small hamlet of Leytonstone following the introduction of the steam railway to the area in 1856, and date as far back as the early 19th century. The majority of the quiet streets consist of tree-lined rows of characterful Victorian and Edwardian houses, displaying period features. These have been popular with young professionals and those moving from Islington and Hackney. Later additions include some 20th century apartment blocks.
Notable features
Popular for its proximity to greenery and the open parkland and lakes of Wanstead Flats and Wanstead Park, the Bushwood Area of Leytonstone has swift transport links into central London via Leytonstone Central Line station as well as many local amenities in the form of restaurants, cafes and shops on High Road Leytonstone.
Victorian keystone faces
Many Victorian houses in Bushwood have decorative keystones above their entrances in the form of faces. Mainly found in Leyspring, Leybourne, Barclay and Woodville Roads, the use of these elements was influenced by the Neoclassical/Greek/Gothic revival introduced by Romanticism in the early Victorian period. The most common figure is that of a bearded man with long, heavy beard which is probably referring to a water-related pagan divinity like Poseidon or Father Thames. Other identifiable themes include the Green Man and various monarchs.
The North Star Public House is situated on Browning Road in the heart of the Conservation Area. Originally two cottages converted into a Public House it is thought that the name of this establishment comes as a direct result of a sailing voyage taken by the founder of the North Star, Frederick Wildsmith which involved his returning from India with a monkey and so fond was he of this memory, he decided to name the pub after the twin-masted, 253 ton Brigantine in which he had travelled. The North Star’s first mention is in the 1858 Rate book with Frederick listed as a ‘beer retailer’ in the 1891 census at the tender age of 23.
Accessible via Browning Road, at the northernmost part of Bushwood, is Henry Reynolds Park which includes a playground for children of all ages and basketball shooting practice area. Originally a gravel pit and Green Man Pond, it was drained in the 1970s to form the present day park with its sunken gardens.
