There is a going to be a guided walk organised by the Wathamstow Historical Society on Sunday afternoon looking at 'Georgian Villa and Edwardian Terraces along Forest Road'. The walk will set off at 2.00pm on 19 July 2009 from the William Morris Gallery and be led by Marianne Zierau. She expects it to last about an hour and a half and also take in Shernall Street, which suggests to me she won't be looking very closely at the Blackhorse Road end of the road. Still, no harm done: no booking is needed and the talk is free, though if anyone wants more info there is a number to call: 07792 7500017.
Seeing this has inspired me to crack on with my own exploration of the less celebrated reaches of this important local thoroughfare, which boasts a great number of businesses. There is also some residential property, some much of it in multiple occupation. There are also such architectual wonders as the grotty alleyways and security system at the Essex Close estate (and, in that context, the wonder of Pam's garden) , the derelict and (probably historic for some people) Essex Arms Pub and an interesting Hindu Temple. There is also all the stuff that the historians get all excited about, such as the Lord Palmerston (if they drink there), Lloyd Park, the William Morris Gallery, the Town Hall, the College, Homebase and the edge of what is left of Epping Forest itself. There is a lot to look at.