#092

The tranquil pose of Priory Mews on Hornchurch Road makes it hard to imagine a London Transport bus garage once stood in its place. It was closed when the Local Government Act 1988 came into force which brought in competitive tendering for public contracts. A constant between then and now is the funeral directors West & Coe which has expanded throughout East London and Essex during its 100+ year existence.
Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornchurch
John Rogers The Mystery of the Horned Church (4K) • The Mystery of the Hor...
www.kingswaymodels.com/produc...
westandcoe.com/history/
www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-...

[@jeffreykenny988]

My first job after leaving school was as an industrial door fitter's mate. I worked for John Batt and we were subcontractors for Leyton Doors, based in Stratford and attended Hornchurch bus garage a few times between 1986-1988 to repair their doors that had been clipped by the buses going in and out. At the same time, my dad was a bus driver out of Seven Kings, mainly on the 86. Good memories. 😊

[@IlfordRetro]

Looking at how many cars were parked outside the garage made me wonder whether they ever got knocked - and you've given the answer 🙏 I imagine it must have been a fair turnover of work, no doubt honing your skills but also building your knowledge of East London well beyond Stratford and Ilford. I wish I had a photo of Seven Kings garage!

[@markcf83]

Seven Kings didn't last too much longer than that.

[@IlfordRetro]

@@markcf83 you are quite right

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

I was here the night it closed, there were a couple of Routemasters out working on the 165s. The place stood for quite a while after closure, not quite empty as the LT Museum stored some exhibits here, FRM 1 being one of them.....

[@IlfordRetro]

You witnessed some history there. Interesting to hear that they stored things from the LT Museum there afterwards (including FRM1!). They must have felt it was pretty secure and maybe giving the impression that there was nothing of much value inside once it had closed.

[@rajnirvan3336]

Wow this is different to regular Ilford posts. However great see neighbouring boroughs otherwise

[@IlfordRetro]

Thanks Raj, I'm glad you like it and it was nice to take another trip to a different part of town