A noble ancient oak tree of 66 feet girth or 22 feet diameter, once stood within the site of what was to become RAF Fairlop. A commemorative plaque marking the approximate position is located beyond the far end of the car park near to the present day fishing lake.
The origins of of Fairlop Fair goes back to Daniel Day, a block and pump maker of St Johns parish Wapping, during the early part of the 18th century, in celebration of the midsummer collection of rents on the first Friday of July.
The current Fairlop Oak stands on the roundabout by the Fairlop Oak Public House and was planted in 1951 to celebrate the Festival of Britain.
Beneath its shade which overspread an area of 300 feet in circumference, booths were erected and it was said that no booth went beyond the extent of the great boughs. They feasted on bacon and beans which Daniel Day served up from the trunk of the oak. The fair continued for over thirty years after Daniel Day's death in 1767 when he aged 84. The men who were engaged in block and pump making, made it their custom to travel from Wapping in a boat mounted on a coach carriage, complete with an awning adorned with flags and bunting. This unusual mode of transport was drawn by 6 horses and always travelled accompanied by a band of musicians. The cavalcade started early in the morning at Wapping and made its way to its destination via the hamlets of Bow, Stratford and Ilford.
A good part of the tree was destroyed by fire in June 1805 and it was eventually blown down during a heavy gale in February 1820. Fairlop Fair continued until the government enclosed the site and shut the area to the public.
Go to Hainault Farm Aerodrome 1915-1919
Go to Fairlop Aerodrome 1915-1919
AVRO 504E as used to train pilots at Fairlop
1919 landing grounds revert to agricultural use.
Small flying club situated north of Forest Road close to Hainault road junction flying Tiger and Fox Moths.
1933 plans to turn farmland around Fairlop into London airport are abandoned.
1 September 1939 Fairlop School temporarily evacuated to Ipswich.
You can reach me by e-mail at: david@smartin67.freeserve.co.uk