It extended from Wanstead Flats in the north to the River Thames in the south and from Green Street in the west to Barking Creek in the east.

In 1886 the local government district was extended to include the civil parish of Little Ilford, and the board was increased to 12 in number.

[6] The borough did not have an official coat of arms, but used a device designed by the surveyor to the urban district council in 1896.

[8] The official explanation of the device was that the crosier stood for Stratford Langthorne Abbey, established by William de Montfichet in the 12th century; the burning torches stood for the Beckton gasworks; the sailing ship for the docks and the rising sun for "the ascending of East Ham, which within a few years developed with such marvellous rapidity.

[9] The Alliance, which also embraced independent and ratepayer candidates, secured a large majority at the municipal elections of 1907, with Labour forming the opposition on the council.

[4] When local elections were resumed after the Second World War, Labour faced official Conservative candidates for the first time.

Discussions are continuing between county and London Borough archivists which may lead to the return of records to their originating districts.