Redbridge is an outer borough of London, England, in the northeastern part of the capital. The county's name derives from the red bridge, which spanned the Roding River until the 1920s; the river was used to barge traffic until the mid-20th century. Redbridge was formed in 1965 by amalgamating the counties and boroughs of Ilford and Wanstead, Woodford and parts of Dagenham and Chigwell. The remains of Roman structures have been discovered at Valentines Park, Barkingside and Wanstead. The villages of Wanstead (Wenesteda), Woodford (Wdefort) and Ilford (Ilefort) are mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086).
Redbridge is primarily residential. The area is served by the London Underground and rail lines. Notable residents include poet Thomas Hood, telegraph engineer Sir Charles Bright and Irish-born playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The parliamentary constituency of Wanstead and Woodford was represented from 1924 to 1964 by Sir Winston Churchill, who is commemorated by a statue (1959) on Woodford Green. Public open spaces include Wanstead, Seven Kings, Clayhall and Goodmayes Parks, Valentines Park (site of a 17th-century mansion) and Roding Valley Park, with two boating lakes. Hainault Forest, in the northeastern corner of the county, was deforested in the mid-19th century but is now home to golf courses and sports fields. Ethnic minorities (mainly South Asians) make up more than a third of the population.
What is foster care?
Temporary custody or guardianship for children whose parents have died or cannot care for them. Check out the agencies listed for foster care in Redbridge or foster care in other regions.