Prostitutes Green: Unraveling the History of London’s Most Misunderstood Landmark

Nestled in the Wanstead area of East London lies a small, triangular green with a name that invariably raises eyebrows: Prostitutes Green. Far from its scandalous implication, the name holds a fascinating, albeit dark, tale rooted in 18th-century highway robbery, local geography, and the evolution of language. This guide delves deep into the true origins, historical context, geographical setting, and modern significance of this unique London landmark, separating fact from folklore.

What is Prostitutes Green and Where is it Located?

Prostitutes Green is a small, triangular patch of green space situated at the junction of Hollybush Hill and Green Man Lane (A114) in Wanstead, within the London Borough of Redbridge (E11 postcode). It sits directly opposite the Eagle Pond and the historic George Pub, acting as a distinctive local landmark.

Despite its modest size, Prostitutes Green is a well-known local feature. It functions as a small traffic island and green oasis amidst the surrounding roads. Its proximity to Snaresbrook Crown Court and Wanstead Flats adds to its local prominence. The green is easily accessible by public transport, being a short walk from Snaresbrook Underground Station (Central line). While not a formal park, it serves as a visual landmark and a tangible connection to Wanstead’s rich and sometimes notorious history.

Why is it Called Prostitutes Green? The True Origin

The name “Prostitutes Green” stems not from actual prostitution, but from a historical mispronunciation and association with highwaymen, colloquially known as “highway pros” or “highway prostitutes” in 18th-century slang. The green’s isolated location made it a notorious haunt for robbers targeting travelers.

The key lies in 18th-century vernacular. Highwaymen, who plagued the routes in and out of London, were often referred to using slang terms. “Highway Pro” was one such term, essentially meaning “Highway Professional.” Over time, “Highway Pro’s Green” – the green where these robbers operated – became corrupted and shortened to “Prostitutes Green.” Early maps and records sometimes used variations like “High Pro’s Green” or simply “Pro’s Green,” solidifying this linguistic shift. The name stuck, long after the highwaymen vanished, becoming a permanent, if misleading, fixture on the map. It’s a classic case of folk etymology obscuring the original, less scandalous but more dangerous, meaning.

What is the Historical Context of Prostitutes Green?

Prostitutes Green’s history is intrinsically linked to its geographical position and the dangers of travel in the 17th and 18th centuries. It lies on what was once the main route from London towards Epping Forest and East Anglia.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, areas on the fringes of London, especially near large open spaces like Epping Forest (of which Wanstead Flats is a part), were notoriously dangerous for travelers. Isolated stretches of road, often bordered by dense woodland or open heath, provided perfect cover for highwaymen. Wanstead, including the area around what is now Prostitutes Green, was one such hotspot. The junction offered ambush points, and the nearby forest provided quick escape routes. Famous highwaymen like Dick Turpin were known to operate in Epping Forest, and while no specific Turpin link to Prostitutes Green is proven, the area was certainly part of that perilous landscape. The “George Inn” opposite (now The George pub) was a coaching inn, a natural stopping point and thus a target-rich environment for robbers. The name “Prostitutes Green” emerged from this era as a grim reminder of the area’s lawless reputation.

How Does Prostitutes Green Relate to Highwaymen?

The connection is direct and etymological. Highwaymen were the “pros” (professionals) who gave the green its name through local slang and fear.

Highway robbery was a significant social problem in the 18th century. The slang term “highway pro” succinctly captured the perception of these criminals as ruthless professionals plying their trade. The triangular green space, likely a natural meeting point or ambush site near the junction and the inn, became locally infamous as the “Highway Pro’s Green.” This name explicitly tied the location to the activities of these robbers. The evolution from “Highway Pro’s Green” to “Prostitutes Green” occurred gradually as the original meaning of “pro” (as professional) faded from common usage, and the similar-sounding but vastly different word “prostitute” took its place in the popular consciousness. It’s less a case of mistaken identity and more a linguistic drift rooted in changing word usage.

What Role Did Snaresbrook Play in the Area’s History?

Snaresbrook, the immediate area surrounding Prostitutes Green, adds crucial context through its own history and landmarks.

Snaresbrook has a long history, with its name possibly deriving from “Snarisbroc” (Snare’s brook) in the 13th century, indicating its woodland and watery past. Crucially, the imposing Snaresbrook Crown Court building dominates the area near the green. While the current building dates from the mid-19th century (built as a school), its presence as a major seat of justice creates a stark, albeit coincidental, contrast to the green’s name rooted in criminality. The Eagle Pond, directly opposite Prostitutes Green, is another historic feature, likely an old gravel pit or natural pond that became a local beauty spot. The presence of the historic George Pub (a former coaching inn) completes the historical picture, representing the travelers and trade that would have passed by the green, attracting both legitimate business and the criminal element that gave the place its name.

What is Prostitutes Green Like Today?

Today, Prostitutes Green is a quiet, unassuming patch of grass and trees, primarily serving as a traffic island and local landmark.

Visually, it’s a small, well-maintained triangle of green. You’ll typically find grass, some mature trees (offering shade), and possibly low shrubs or flower beds maintained by the local council. It features pathways crossing it, allowing pedestrians to navigate the junction safely. Benches are sometimes present, offering a place to rest. Its most striking feature is the prominent nameplate on the railings surrounding it, boldly declaring “PROSTITUTES GREEN” – a constant source of curiosity and sometimes amusement for passersby and visitors. The atmosphere is generally peaceful, contrasting sharply with its tumultuous past. It serves as a local meeting point (“meet you by Prostitutes Green”) and a unique piece of living history rather than a destination park. It sits unassumingly amidst the flow of modern Wanstead life.

How Can Visitors Find and Experience Prostitutes Green?

Finding Prostitutes Green is straightforward, and experiencing it requires little more than a brief stop to absorb its history.

The most efficient way to reach Prostitutes Green is via public transport. Snaresbrook Underground Station (Central line) is less than a 5-minute walk away. Exit the station, turn right onto Snaresbrook Road, and walk downhill. You’ll reach the junction with Hollybush Hill and Green Man Lane (A114); the triangular green opposite The George pub is Prostitutes Green. If driving, parking can be found on nearby residential streets (check restrictions). There’s no dedicated visitor facility – it’s a public open space. To experience it, simply walk around its perimeter, read the nameplate, take in the view across to the Eagle Pond and The George pub, and reflect on its history. Combine your visit with a walk around the picturesque Eagle Pond, a drink or meal at the historic George Pub, or a longer exploration of Wanstead Flats. A visit typically takes only 5-15 minutes.

What is the Eagle Pond and its Connection?

The Eagle Pond is a significant historic pond directly opposite Prostitutes Green, forming an integral part of the local landscape.

This large, natural-looking pond predates the surrounding urban development. Its origins are likely as a natural pond or perhaps an old gravel pit. Its name is thought to derive from the “Eagle and Child” coaching inn that once stood nearby. The pond is a designated Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation. It’s a haven for waterfowl (ducks, swans, geese, herons) and other wildlife, offering a serene and picturesque spot. Its direct adjacency to Prostitutes Green means that historically, travelers pausing near the pond or at the George Inn would have been in the very area frequented by the “highway pros.” Today, the tranquil beauty of the Eagle Pond stands in peaceful contrast to the intrigue evoked by the name of the small green across the road, yet together they form a historically rich focal point.

Why Does the Name Cause Confusion or Controversy?

The name “Prostitutes Green” causes confusion because the modern meaning of “prostitute” bears no relation to the historical origin of the name, leading to assumptions about illicit activities that never occurred there.

On the surface, the name shockingly implies the green was a place associated with sex work. This understandably leads to misconceptions, raised eyebrows, and sometimes mild controversy or calls for renaming by those unaware of its true etymology. The starkness of the nameplate amplifies this effect. However, as established, the name relates solely to highway robbery (“highway pros”). There is no historical evidence linking the site to prostitution in the modern sense. The controversy stems purely from linguistic evolution and a lack of widespread knowledge about the area’s specific history. While the name might seem jarring or inappropriate today, it is a genuine historical artifact reflecting a specific period and slang. Efforts to explain its origin, like this article and local historical signs, help alleviate the confusion.

Have There Been Efforts to Rename Prostitutes Green?

There have been occasional murmurs or suggestions to rename Prostitutes Green, but no serious or sustained campaign has succeeded, primarily due to its historical significance.

Over the years, the provocative name has inevitably led some residents or newcomers to question its appropriateness in a modern context. Suggestions for renaming sometimes surface, proposing more neutral or descriptive titles. However, these efforts have consistently met resistance. Local historians and many residents strongly advocate for preserving the name as an important, albeit unusual, part of Wanstead’s unique heritage and identity. It serves as a direct, tangible link to a specific period in London’s social history. The Redbridge Council, responsible for the area, recognizes the name’s historical origin and has not pursued any official renaming process. The consensus leans towards education and contextual understanding rather than erasure, viewing the name as a valuable, if peculiar, historical marker.

What Does Prostitutes Green Reveal About London’s History?

Prostitutes Green serves as a microcosm of London’s layered history, revealing tales of crime, travel, linguistic evolution, and the survival of local identity.

This small green acts like a historical palimpsest. Its name directly connects us to the pervasive fear of highway robbery that once gripped the outskirts of London, illustrating the dangers of travel before modern policing. It highlights the importance of coaching routes and inns like The George. The linguistic journey of its name – from “Highway Pro’s Green” to “Prostitutes Green” – is a fascinating example of how language changes and how meanings can become obscured over centuries. Furthermore, the survival of such a provocative name against the tide of modern sensibilities speaks to the enduring power of local history and toponymy (place-name study) in London. Places like Prostitutes Green, preserved almost by accident, offer unique, unfiltered glimpses into the city’s past that grander monuments often overlook. It reminds us that history lingers in the most unexpected corners.

How Does it Compare to Other Oddly Named London Places?

Prostitutes Green stands alongside numerous other London place names with bizarre, misleading, or historically curious origins, each telling its own story.

London is renowned for its oddly named locations, and Prostitutes Green fits right in. Consider “Bleeding Heart Yard” (linked to a gory legend), “Ha Ha Road” in Greenwich (named after a sunken fence or “ha-ha”), “Swallow Street” (named after a long-lost tavern sign), or “World’s End” in Chelsea (once literally the edge of the city). Like Prostitutes Green, many names stem from:

• Corrupted Language: “Elephant and Castle” (possibly from “Infanta de Castile”).
• Old Trades/Features: “Poultry” (street where poulterers sold birds), “Hanging Sword Alley” (sign of a swordsmith).
• Historical Events/Legends: “Grope Lane” (related to feeling one’s way in the dark, not vice), “Cockfosters” (likely a family name, not poultry).

What makes Prostitutes Green particularly notable is the stark contrast between its modern interpretation and its actual, less scandalous but more violent, historical origin. Its name is less a euphemism and more a complete linguistic transformation, making it one of London’s most misunderstood landmarks.

Where Can I Learn More About Prostitutes Green and Wanstead History?

Several excellent local resources delve deeper into the history of Prostitutes Green and the surrounding Wanstead area.

For those intrigued by the story of Prostitutes Green and Wanstead’s rich past, explore these resources:

• Wanstead Historical Society: The primary source for local history. They hold talks, publish journals, and maintain archives. Check their website or local library for publications.
• Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre: Located in nearby Ilford, this museum covers the history of the entire borough, including Wanstead. Exhibits often touch on local landmarks and social history.
• Local History Sections in Redbridge Libraries: Wanstead Library and others in the borough hold collections of books, maps, and photographs on local history.
• “The Streets of Wanstead and Woodford” by Donald J. Smith: A detailed book exploring the origins of local street names, including Prostitutes Green.
• “Echoes of the Past: Wanstead and Woodford” by Ken Brady: Another valuable book offering historical insights and images.
• Local History Walks: Guided walks focusing on Wanstead history often include Prostitutes Green and explain its story in context. Check with the Wanstead Historical Society or local tour operators.
• Online Resources: Websites like Hidden London, East London History, and the British History Online (Victoria County History) provide valuable information and historical context.

Visiting the site itself, reading the nameplate, observing the Eagle Pond and The George pub, and then delving into these resources provides the fullest understanding of this uniquely named piece of London’s past.