St. Edward's Ward is located right in the centre of Romford. Originally established in 1978, it was later abolished in 2002 but was re-created in 2022. The ward returns three councillors to Havering Council. For much of the history within the ward, please see the History of Romford page.
This has been a great year in many ways in Romford, but it has been the greatest in my memory because Her Majesty the Queen visited my constituency for the first time. She visited Romford market and my local church, St. Edward's, in the marketplace. The people of Romford are very proud of their heritage of being British. We uphold the traditions of our country with great pride, and we were very proud to welcome Her Majesty on 6 March.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. House of Commons, Christmas Adjournment, Thursday 18 December 2003
Encompassing areas in Gidea Park and the centre of Romford, St. Edward's was formed by merging areas previously known as Brooklands, Romford Town, and Squirrel's Heath. At the heart of Romford, it includes the town center, north of the railway line, Gidea Park west of Balgores Lane, and Lower Mawneys.
The ward is well-connected through Romford railway station, which is part of the Great Eastern Main Line and the Elizabeth line, located in London fare zone 6. The Elizabeth line offers high-frequency services between London Paddington and Shenfield. Additionally, Greater Anglia services and a London Overground branch line shuttle operate from the station. Romford serves as a hub for the London Buses network, providing services to Canning Town, Stratford, Leytonstone, and Dagenham. The town centre boasts a high Public Transport Accessibility Level score of 6, facilitating efficient transportation.
Furthermore, the area is known for its vibrant shopping scene, with The Liberty and The Mercury Shopping Centres being prominent destinations for fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and accessories.
Romford is today a major office and retail centre for Essex and north-east London and boasts one of the largest and best open-air markets in the country—a market now in its eighth century and very much the beating heart of the town.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. during his Maiden Speech in Parliament, 17th July 2001
