Highams

Highams is a suburban district in northeast London, England. It is closely associated with the area around Highams Park, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The district is primarily residential, with a central public park and lake that form the focal point for recreation and wildlife.

Geography and features: Highams Park Lake sits at the heart of the park, surrounded by wooded and grassy spaces that are used for leisure, walking and informal sports. The area also includes a mixture of housing styles dating from late Victorian to modern times, with local shops and services serving residents.

Transport: The locality is served by Highams Park railway station on the London Overground network, which provides connections to central London and other suburbs. Several bus routes operate in and around the district, linking it with nearby towns and transport hubs.

History and etymology: The name Highams is of Old English origin, with elements that typically refer to a homestead or village on or near elevated ground. The identity of Highams developed as London expanded during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when suburban housing was laid out around the park and lake.

Administration: Highams falls within the London Borough of Waltham Forest and forms part of postal and electoral wards that cover the area. It is commonly regarded as part of the wider area of Highams Park rather than as a separate town, reflecting its local identity and community life.