Key Points
- Event: The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Maggie Themistocli, led an official flag-raising ceremony outside Romford Town Hall to celebrate Essex Day.
- Key Attendees: Attendees included Havering Council Leader Keith Prince AM, Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, local councillors, and residents.
- Historical Significance: Essex Day honors Saint Cedd, the patron saint of Essex, who introduced Christianity to the East Saxons over 1,300 years ago.
- Administrative Context: Although Havering was administratively transferred to Greater London in 1965, its historic and traditional connections to the county of Essex remain deeply entrenched among its local populace.
- Key Message: Civic leaders reaffirmed that despite its status as a London borough, Essex identity and heritage remain an integral part of Havering’s community fabric.
Romford (East London Times) October 28, 2026 – Civic leaders and local community members gathered outside Romford Town Hall under rainy skies on Monday to mark Essex Day with a formal flag-raising ceremony, reaffirming the Borough of Havering’s historic allegiance to the county of Essex.
The ceremony was led by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Maggie Themistocli, who officially raised the Essex flag alongside key civic representatives, including Havering Council Leader Keith Prince AM and Romford Member of Parliament Andrew Rosindell. Despite the rainfall, attendees gathered in Romford to observe the annual event, which commemorates Saint Cedd—the patron saint of Essex—and celebrates more than 1,300 years of county history, tradition, and identity.
Although administrative reorganization incorporated Havering into Greater London in 1965, local representatives emphasized that the cultural and historic ties between the borough and the county of Essex remain firmly intact for residents across the region.
Why Did Havering Gather to Raise the Essex Flag in Romford?
Addressing the assembled crowd outside the Town Hall, Councillor Maggie Themistocli highlighted the cultural significance of the commemoration and the historical lineage that connects Havering to the wider Essex region.
In her official address, Councillor Themistocli stated:
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you as we come together to celebrate Essex Day and proudly raise the Essex flag here in Havering.
“Essex Day commemorates Saint Cedd, the county’s patron saint, who helped bring Christianity to the Kingdom of the East Saxons more than 1,300 years ago. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, traditions and identity that continue to unite communities across Essex.
“Here in Havering, our connection to Essex runs particularly deep. Although we have been part of Greater London since 1965, our historic roots remain firmly in Essex, and for many residents that connection is as strong today as ever.
“From our historic market town of Romford to the villages and communities across the borough, Essex remains an important part of who we are.
“Raising the flag is a simple but meaningful gesture. It reminds us of where we have come from, the traditions we share and the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations.
“We may be a London borough, but Essex will always be part of Havering’s story.
“It is now my great honour, as Mayor of Havering, to raise the Essex flag.”
The ceremony concluded with the official hoisting of the Essex flag, displaying its iconic three white seaxes on a red field over the Romford civic center.
What Is the Historical Background of Havering’s Link to Essex?
The historic relationship between Havering and Essex spans well over a millennium, dating back to the Kingdom of the East Saxons. Saint Cedd, who was consecrated Bishop of the East Saxons in the 7th century, established monasteries and churches across the county, laying the ecclesiastical and cultural foundations that Essex Day celebrates today.
For centuries, Havering functioned as an integral part of the historic county of Essex, centered around key settlements such as the royal liberty of Havering-atte-Bower and the central market town of Romford.
The administrative boundary shifted significantly under the London Government Act 1963, which formally created Greater London on April 1, 1965. Under this legislation, the Municipal Borough of Romford and the Hornchurch Urban District were merged to form the London Borough of Havering, officially transferring local government administrative responsibilities from Essex County Council to the newly formed Greater London framework.
Despite this formal government transfer six decades ago, postal addresses, sporting affiliations, local traditions, and community identities across Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, and surrounding villages have continuously retained strong ties to Essex heritage.
How Will This Development Affect Local Residents and Community Identity?
The annual commemoration of Essex Day and the ceremonial raising of the county flag serve to reinforce local cultural preservation and civic identity for residents within the London Borough of Havering.
For long-standing residents and traditionalists, the official recognition by Havering Council provides formal validation of a dual identity—maintaining civic participation within Greater London’s administrative boundary while preserving traditional regional pride. It highlights the municipality’s commitment to honoring its pre-1965 history alongside its modern urban governance.
For younger generations and newer residents, such civic traditions offer educational continuity regarding the geographic and cultural evolution of East London and West Essex. Events of this nature help contextualize local landmarks, historical street names, and postal conventions that reflect the borough’s historical roots, fostering a stronger sense of local heritage and community cohesion across Romford and its surrounding areas.
