Romford is perhaps most famous for its market - and we have taken a look back at vintage photos of Market Place to see just how much it has changed over the years.

From a faded photograph dating back to the 1880s - showing horses and carts amongst the stalls - to a bustling, sun-soaked market day in 1987, here is Market Place's journey through time.

Ladder stalls and an unseen event in the 1880s

Huge ladders can be seen on the left in this 1880s photoHuge ladders can be seen on the left in this 1880s photo (Image: Havering Libraries - Local Studies)This photo of Romford Market from the 1880s shows several key landmarks, including The Dolphin Inn, which closed in 1890 and The Cock and Bell Inn.

At the head of the market stands Laurie Hall, while a stall selling ladders in front of St Edward's Church can been seen on the left hand side.

According to Havering Libraries, the photo captures an unseen event that has drawn the attention of children, adults, and even a policeman, all gathered around a stallholder in a hat (centre bottom).

Cattle Market and Coffee Tavern in 1900

The cattle market in Romford Market place, 1900The cattle market in Romford Market Place, 1900 (Image: Havering Libraries - Local Studies) This photograph of Market Place, taken around 1900 by McNamara and Sons, shows a cattle market in progress with few shops distinguishable.

Notable landmarks include the Coffee Tavern, John Castle's Printing Works, and The Globe Coffee and Dining Rooms, with Laurie Hall visible in the background.

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The basket stall is closest to the camera, and McNamara and Sons, known for documenting Romford at the turn of the century, played a key role in capturing these scenes, says Havering Libraries.

Fine Fare supermarket and buses to Brentwood in 1950s

Buses to Brentwood can be spotted in this late 1950s photoBuses to Brentwood can be spotted in this late 1950s photo (Image: Havering Libraries - Local Studies) This photograph dating back to around 1957 shows a bustling scene with the Midland Bank on the left, and Laurie Hall, which advertises Brooke Bond Tea, at the head of Market Place.

The main road is still open, with three buses making their way through the crowd, including one headed to Brentwood and Shenfield.

On the right are Stones store, the White Swan and Duke of Wellington pubs, Fine Fare supermarket (opened in 1956), and other shops including R.F.R. Parnell the barber and A. Morris and Sons, wholesale grocers, next to the King’s Head.

Changes underway in 1975

Changes are underway in the 1970sChanges are underway in the 1970s (Image: Havering Libraries - Local Studies) This photograph captures the town during a time of transformation, around the 10th anniversary of the London Borough of Havering.

Many new buildings can be seen include C&A, Debenhams, the Liberty Shopping Centre, and the Havering Advice Centre, housed in what was formerly S.W. Adams' ironmongers.

Key changes are evident with the absence of Laurie Hall, demolished in 1970, while familiar structures like St Edward's Church and the Rumford Shopping Hall remain as part of the evolving market scene.

A sun-soaked market day in 1987

A sunny market day in 1987A sunny market day in 1987 (Image: Havering Libraries - Local Studies) This 1987 photograph of Romford Market, taken from the roof area between 86 and 94 Market Place, shows the canopy over Laurie Walk, The Bull, and Debenhams.

While individual market stalls are hard to distinguish, a sign advertises "computer specialists" near The Bull, and "Dave’s Jewellers - The Gold Mine" is visible on the right.

Notable landmarks include the former Pig in Pound pub, the Romford Shopping Hall undergoing a facelift, and the towering North House, with St Edward's Church still prominent in the Market Place.