Havering Palace

Havering Palace was one of the many royal residences in England. It was located in the village of Havering-atte-Bower in what is now the London Borough of Havering. It stood just to the north and west of the existing parish church of St John the Evangelist, which was built on the site of one of the palace’s chapels.

History

The earliest references to a royal demesne at Havering date from the time of Edward the Confessor, and although there is no definite proof that he ever visited it, the strength of local legend suggests he did. It was definitely a royal manor by the Norman Conquest when it passed to William the Conqueror. The royal manor also gave the surrounding area the designation of the Royal Liberty of Havering, which gave those living in the area freedom from taxation and other benefits. The manor was granted to Queen Eleanor by Henry III in 1262 and thereafter usually belonged to the queen consort or dowager until the death of Jane Seymour in 1537, leading to the 'Bower' portion of the village's place name.