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the history of Leyton and Leytonstone
from . dot to … dots – with plenty of spaces
the design of houses for the wealthy
1727 accession of George II to
1793 execution of Louis XVI of France
Those who could pick and choose where to live in the 18th century favoured, for homes within a short journey of London, areas of sandy gravel deposits : around the edge of Hampstead Heath, Blackheath, Putney, Wimbledon Common - and the Leyton and Wanstead Flats. These provided access to clean water from wells and springs, and facilitated the construction of cesspits and drains to remove waste. The gravel deposits were higher than surrounding areas (though not dramatically so north-east of London) and caught summer breezes. Infertile, they had not been much settled, which was a desirable contrast to London that had grown rapidly in population, and was suffering problems from disease, slums, pollution and (from the perspective of the privileged) weak social control.