Havering, also known as Havering-atte-Bower, was a royal manor and ancient liberty whose area now forms part of, and gives its name to, the London Borough of Havering in Greater London. The manor was in the possession of the Crown from the 11th to the 19th centuries and was the location of Havering Palace from the 13th to the late 17th century. It occupied the same area as the ancient parish of Hornchurch which was divided into the three chapelries of Havering, Hornchurch and Romford. History Toponymy The name Havering is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as "Haueringas" and means 'the settlement of the family or followers of a man called Hæfer', an ancient folk name. From the 13th century the suffix -atte-Bower was added and means 'at the royal residence'. The London Borough of Havering and the small settlemet of Havering-atte-Bower continue to use these names. Formation Havering Palace, a resort house for hunting, was well established by the early 12th century. This suggests that the manor of Havering was in royal ownership prior to 1066, although the beginning of its association with royalty is unrecorded. Havering was recorded as part of the Becontree hundred of Essex in the Domesday Book of 1086. The manor was held directly by the Crown, with the monarch acting as lord of the manor. Because they were not normally resident in Havering, and did not appoint a representative to act in their place, the residents of Havering enjoyed unusual autonomy. In 1251 Havering had a population of nearly 2,000. Liberty charters A liberty was formed by charter for the of Havering in 1465. The charter issued in 1465 by King Edward IV reconfirmed many existing rights. The event was celebrated by the issue of a copper token for currency in the late 18th century, which uniquely among the many coins of that era bears the date 1465. The charter gave residents of the area freedom from taxation, its own local magistrates and gaol, and, earlier, freedom from the service of writs by the Essex Quarter Sessions. The famous Romford Market was another privilege that was guaranteed under this arrangement. Governance The government of the liberty was in the hands of a high steward, deputy steward, clerk of the peace and coroner. The high steward was chosen by the lord of the manor. The office of deputy steward was instituted by the 1465