Orford Road, Walthamstow London Editorial Photo

Walthamstow Village is the oldest part of present-day Walthamstow, north east London. Designated a Conservation Area by the London Borough of Waltham Forest in 1967, it centres on St. Mary`s Church, which was founded in the 12th century. Across the road from this is a 15th-century timber-framed `hall house` which locals have dubbed `The Ancient House`. It was restored in 1934 and 2002. Nearby are almshouses dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, and `Vestry House`, which has been used as a workhouse and police station, but has been a museum since 1931. It also holds the archives of the borough and a local studies library.Orford Road, the ancient road leading up to St Mary`s church, has in recent years developed as an attractive street of small restaurants, cafes and an upmarket local supermarket. There are also several pubs in the area.