Why Is Seven Kings Called “Seven Kings”? By Dr Shabir Choudhry

 Why Is Seven Kings Called “Seven Kings”?

A Local History — From Saxon Legend to Elizabeth Line

By Dr Shabir Choudhry

Resident of Seven Kings for 30 Years.

If you’ve ever wondered why our neighbourhood is called Seven Kings, you’re not alone. It’s a fascinating name with roots that stretch back through medieval records, Roman roads, Victorian railways, and even folklore about Saxon times.

What the Name Might Mean

The earliest recorded form of the name appears in documents from 1285, written as Sevekyngg or Sevekyngges. Historians believe this may have originally referred to a settlement of the family or followers of a man called Seofoca—a personal name typical of early England. 

Although there’s a long-standing local tradition that “seven kings” once met here in the age of the Saxon Heptarchy, there’s no direct historical evidence for such a meeting, and it remains part of local lore rather than confirmed fact. Still, it’s easy to see how a name like this could grow out of an area rich with ancient history. 

Roman Roads and Medieval Hinterland

Seven Kings sits beside what was once a Roman road between London and Colchester—a route of great importance for centuries. The settlement here would have been connected to this network of routes long before the modern city spread eastward. 

Moreover, we live near Epping Forest, one of London’s great ancient woodlands. For hundreds of years, these woods were royal hunting grounds and gathering places for nobles and elites. While we can’t say definitively that kings met here, it’s entirely plausible that important figures from the region once passed through, sheltered under ancient trees, and used the surrounding landscape for hunting and travel.

The Railway and Modern Growth

For most of its early history, Seven Kings was quiet farmland and woodland, but everything changed in the late 19th century with the advent of the railway.

The Seven Kings railway station opened on 1 March 1899 on the Great Eastern Main Line, connecting our neighbourhood with London Liverpool Street and beyond. This was a catalyst for housing development and growth, bringing new residents and turning the area into a thriving commuter suburb. 

At one time, Seven Kings was linked to a branch line known as the Fairlop (or Hainault) Loop, which connected to the area around Woodford and Hainault. Though the connection to Ilford and Seven Kings was eventually closed in the mid-20th century, it remains part of the story of how transport shaped our community. 

Underground Connections: Newbury Park, Gants Hill and Redbridge

Even though Seven Kings never got its own tube station, the area enjoys excellent Underground access through nearby stations:

• Newbury Park on the Central Line opened post-World War II as part of the Hainault Loop extension. 
• Gants Hill, just a short distance away, is famous for its barrel-vaulted design and was opened in December 1947 as part of the post-war expansion of the Central Line.
• Redbridge station on the Hainault Loop opened in December 1947, helping bring East London residents closer to central London. 

These links helped knit Seven Kings into the fabric of Greater London as transport expanded rapidly after the war.

The Elizabeth Line and Today’s Connectivity

Today, Seven Kings station is part of the Elizabeth Line, delivering fast connections to central London, Paddington, Heathrow and Reading — transforming travel for residents and making the area even more desirable. 

A Name Worth Celebrating

So, while the exact origin of the name Seven Kings may still be a blend of documented history and local legend, what is clear is that this place has always been connected to ancient routes, to forests of history, and to transport networks that shaped modern London.

Whether the name commemorates an ancient settlement, a meeting of Saxon chiefs, or simply an early family, it’s a reminder that even ordinary places have extraordinary stories behind them. END