The toll gate at Abbey Mills. It was originally one of the two security gates set up by the Essex Quarter Sessions in 1681 across the roads leading eastward from London - High Street Stratford and Abbey Lane. The West Ham Parish Vestry maintained a gatekeeper there in the 18th century but, by the time the Hunt family acquired the lease of the Abbey Mill in 1881, it had become a private toll gate attached to the mill property.

It was the last toll gate on the eastern side of London, operating into the 1930s.

Watercolour by Fred Mears dated 1932, from the collection of Newham Heritage Services

The block of flats in the picture was in Star Lane, at the corner of Manor Road, it was demolished in the 1960s. Star Lane School can be seen in the background.

Firewomen clearing Abbey Road Dormitory 1944.

Photo: Newham Heritage Services