*Historical* There’s always something interesting to spot where we live. Situated a short distance from the Wandle and the site of the old Hack Bridge, you’ll find this row of cottages. A handy sign close by explains the history of the place.
There’s not a lot of old Hackbridge left so these are a particular delight. Their bright colours look eyecatching against the large mature trees of Hackbridge Green opposite.
Goad Cottages (as they are known) date to at least 1750, and once housed the workers of nearby Hackbridge House. The Goad family were part of ‘Goad, Rigg & Company’, who imported hides, skins and tallows from across the world.
In the middle is a wash house – these were the days before inbuilt kitchens and running water.
Hackbridge House was an early 19th Century building situated just behind the cottages, where the new houses are on Corbett Close. It was demolished in 1963. The cottages are now Grade II listed.
Bonus fun fact: Comedian Tracey Ullman lived in Hackbridge, aged 6 in 1975
“Bonus fun fact: Comedian Tracey Ullman lived in Hackbridge, aged 6 in 1975”
Tracey Ullman was born on 30th December 1959.
I’m glad someone is paying attention.
Such a shame we lost some of these magnificent old houses