History of West Ham in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

West Ham is an inner-city district located in East London, England, specifically within the London Borough of Newham. It is situated approximately 6.1 miles (9.8 kilometers) east of Charing Cross, marking its position as an inner-city suburb.

1901: Ninth most populous district in England

At the time of the 1901 census it was the ninth most populous district in England with a population of 267,308.

1904: West Ham United F.C. played at the Boleyn Ground

West Ham United F.C. played at the Boleyn Ground in nearby Upton Park from 1904.

1907: West Ham Council Considered Inclusion in the County of London

In 1907 West Ham Council considered the case for inclusion in the County of London.

February 1915: West Ham Raised a Pals Battalion

In February 1915, the Mayor and Borough of West Ham raised a pals battalion of local volunteers, the 13th (Service) Battalion (West Ham) of the Essex Regiment, which first paraded at St Luke's Church in Canning Town.

February 1918: Battalion Disbandment

In February 1918, the West Ham battalion was disbanded due to manpower shortages in the British Army, with the surviving members reassigned to other battalions of the Essex Regiment.

1928: West Ham Stadium Operated

The West Ham Stadium, a football, greyhound racing and speedway stadium, operated from 1928.

1929: West Ham Hammers team in top flight leagues

The West Ham Hammers team were involved in the top flight leagues from 1929.

1934: Surrounded by County Borough of East Ham

From 1934 it was surrounded by the County Borough of East Ham to the east, the municipal boroughs of Wanstead and Woodford and Leyton to the north, and the metropolitan boroughs of Poplar to the west with the Thames to the south with Greenwich on the far side.

1939: West Ham Hammers team in top flight leagues

The West Ham Hammers team were involved in the top flight leagues until 1939.

1946: West Ham Hammers team in top flight leagues

The West Ham Hammers team were involved in the top flight leagues from 1946.

1955: West Ham Hammers team in top flight leagues

The West Ham Hammers team were involved in the top flight leagues until 1955.

1963: London Government Act

In 1965, under the terms of the London Government Act 1963, the county borough was abolished and its former area was amalgamated with small parts of Barking and Woolwich to form the London Borough of Newham in Greater London.

1964: West Ham Hammers team in top flight leagues

The West Ham Hammers team were involved in the top flight leagues from 1964.

1965: Surrounded by County Borough of East Ham

From 1934 to 1965 it was surrounded by the County Borough of East Ham to the east, the municipal boroughs of Wanstead and Woodford and Leyton to the north, and the metropolitan boroughs of Poplar to the west with the Thames to the south with Greenwich on the far side.

1965: West Ham Hammers team Won British League

In 1965 the West Ham Hammers team won the inaugural British League.

1965: Merged with neighbouring areas to become the western part of the new London Borough

In 1965, the parish and borough of West Ham merged with neighbouring areas to form the western part of the new London Borough.

1965: Abolishment of County Borough

1971: Non-European origin population

In 1971, individuals of non-European origin comprised approximately 16% of the population of West Ham.

1971: West Ham Hammers team in top flight leagues

The West Ham Hammers team were involved in the top flight leagues until 1971.

1972: West Ham Stadium Operated

The West Ham Stadium, a football, greyhound racing and speedway stadium, operated until 1972, with a capacity of 120,000.

March 1976: IRA Bombing at West Ham Station

In March 1976, an IRA terrorist planted a bomb on a Metropolitan Line train, which exploded prematurely at West Ham station, injuring seven. The perpetrator shot and killed the train driver, Julius Stevens, and then shot himself but survived.