Havering Museum

Havering Museum stands in Romford, a town in the London Borough of Havering. It occupies part of the old Ind Coope Romford Brewery, one of the last traces of Romford’s brewing past. The building now houses displays about the five towns that make up the borough: Havering-atte-Bower, Hornchurch, Romford, Rainham and Upminster. Local historian Ian Wilkes first proposed the museum in 2000. After years of effort by volunteers, it opened in May 2010 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The museum is entirely run by volunteers and relies on self-funding. A core team of thirty volunteers handles collections, education, front-of-house duties and administration. Interns assist with daily tasks and special projects. Two rooms serve the community: the Learning Zone for schools and the Exhibition Room for local organisations. A small shop offers books and souvenirs. Visitors find displays dedicated to each of the five towns in the borough. The building’s brewing history remains visible in its layout and fabric. The shop sells local-interest books and gifts. The museum welcomes groups and schools for organised visits. Its volunteer guides share stories about Romford’s past. The quiet setting contrasts with the town’s busy streets nearby.