Firefighters tackling the fire at the Royal Forest Hotel in 1912. Credit: Gary Stone The Royal Forest Hotel pictured above in 1912 with onlookers as Chingford’s volunteer fire fighters tackle a devastating blaze at the hotel. Built in 1880 by architect Edmond Egan, the building boasted artistically and distinctively furnished fine dining rooms as well as a banqueting hall for large parties. In the grounds was a large pavilion that could hold up to 700 people. After the fire the hotel was rebuilt on a smaller scale. A modern-day view of the hotel The stables to the right were later converted to a bus garage until the 1970s.