Radical Childhoods in Waltham Forest.

at St Peter’s Church in the Forest, 18 Woodford New Road, E17 3PP  

Many  campaigners  for social  political, and religious change, grew up in Waltham Forest.

How did their childhoods influence their activism as adults?

Did the environment affect their future development?

This event will explore the relationship between activism and environment in Leyton and Leytonstone, as well as Walthamstow and beyond, across social classes.

From female Methodist preaching, nursing in the Crimea, to socialism, feminism, and campaigns for fair treatment in South Africa, this  event will highlight the links between the effect of the forest and the increasingly urbanised nature of  Waltham Forest.

The afternoon will  provide opportunities for hands-on activities, exploring gravestones in St Peter’s churchyard , the local environment and their associations,  making links with family history, and hearing individual stories about growing up here from our local experts.

2. p.m. Talk “Radical Childhoods in Waltham Forest, c 1600-1900” – Dr. Mary Clare Martin (University of Greenwich).

3. p.m. Talk “Finding your family history through parish registers” – Barrie Burton (Waltham Forest Family History Society)

3.20p.m. Activity choice of the following:

  • Research: Barrie Burton will be available with his database of St Peter’s parish registers to help anyone interested track their family history.
  • Walk: David Boote (Waltham Forest Walks) will lead a walk entitled “Children and young people round and about St Peter’s and Forest School”.

4.15 p.m. Talk:“Growing up in Waltham Forest in the 1930s” – Dr.Mark Carroll (Waltham Forest Family History Society)

We will sing protest songs throughout the afternoon, led by guitarist and campaigner Louis Martin (Fossil Free Newham).  

Children are welcome and activities will be provided

Tea and cake will be available throughout

A Dr. Mary Clare Martin event