[4] The history of Havering-atte-Bower today is inextricably linked with Edward the Confessor and comparison can be made with Old Windsor in Berkshire, which had a Saxon palace that predated Windsor Castle as both villages are situated on high ground and have great views into London.

Circumstantially it has been suggested that a different meaning of the word Bower relating to a dwelling specifically set aside for a woman could relate to the use of the Palace by Eleanor of Provence, mother of Henry III, when she was Queen Dowager[6] although there is no documentary evidence for this interpretation.

The village is also steeped in royal history and Edward the Confessor was the first monarch known to take interest in the area when he established a hunting lodge which, over the years would become a palace or 'bower'.

[8] The surrounding areas, including the parishes of Hornchurch and Romford,[9] formed the Royal Liberty of Havering from 1465 to 1892.

Only one set of plans exists from the original Havering Palace, courtesy of a survey by Lord Burghley in 1578.

It is situated 344 feet (105 m) above sea level with striking views of east London, Essex and Kent.

To the north is open countryside and to the south are the large suburban developments of Harold Hill and Collier Row.

The most notable residence in the village now is Bower House, built in 1729 by John Baynes, using some of the materials of the former Havering Palace.

It was built in 1878 to replace an older chapel dedicated to St Mary that had its origins as part of Havering Palace.