The area between Bromley and Grove Park was late to develop and remained dominated by small farms and large estates into the 20th century.

Until that time the area was part of St.Mary's, Plaistow, which extended into the still rural area by means of various mission halls.

In 1907 the distinct nature of the area was recognised by the opening of the St.Andrew's mission in Nichol Lane.

Moving to a site in Burnt Ash Lane in 1913 as illustrated here, a new church replaced it on the opposite side of the Lane in 1930 by which time the London County Council Downham estate to the west and piecemeal building to the north had totally changed the area's character.