Walthamstow Village


Walthamstow Village is the oldest part of present-day Walthamstow, north east London. Designated a Conservation Area by the London Borough of Waltham Forest in 1967, it centres on St. Mary's Church, which was founded in the 12th century. Across the road from this is a 15th-century timber-framed "hall house" which locals have dubbed "The Ancient House". It was restored in 1934 and 2002. Nearby are almshouses dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, and "Vestry House", which has been used as a workhouse and police station, but has been a museum since 1931. It also holds the archives of the borough and a local studies library.
Orford Road, the ancient road leading up to St Mary's church, has in recent years developed as an attractive street of small restaurants, cafes and an upmarket local supermarket. There are also several pubs in the area.
There is one bus route, the W12, which operates a hail-and-ride service in the area.