The town of Epping is at least a thousand years old. There has been a market here for much of that time and the town achieved further status as a focus for the stagecoaches to Cambridge and beyond. This fascinating collection of over 200 old photographs portrays the development of Epping between 1870 and 1970, from the coming of the railway to the 1960s redevelopments and expansion.

As well as traditional views of buildings which have isappeared or changed, this collection emphasizes the social aspect of old photographs. Workers on the land, in the forge, in the Forest and on the railways are all here. The chapter on the High Street shows how both shops and shopping habits have changed over the years. Transport, schools and entertainment are also featured, as well as a selection of famous - and infamous - residents and visitors to Epping.

Historically, Epping has had strong links with the other settlements in Epping Forest and for this reason the selection includes photographs from Abridge, Loughton, Theydon Bois, Fiddlers Hamlet, Grange Park and North Weald, as well as of the Forest itself. The photographs are drawn from the archives of the Epping Forest District Museum and most have never been seen in print before.