* the “Cart & Horses” pub-Maryland Point-London E15 – and its “Iron Maiden” connection

Here’s another in the Shoes’ current sequence of short ‘n sweet blog postings – and its one of those that’s slightly different from the norm.

Followers of my ‘London Shoes’ stuff will be fully aware that I always attempt to end each Shoes’ blog publication with a visit to a pub – either one nearby to the blog topic – or a pub, not too far away, that has an interesting bit of history behind it.

London Shoes very rarely publish a blog article solely about a pub in its own right – but every now and then, Shoes stumbles upon a pub who’s backstory/history just screams out to be told, and this specific Shoes blog is one such occasion.

So – here’s a story about “THE CART & HORSES” pub in Maryland London E15.

‘Maryland’ is an area of East London within the London Borough of Newham – that sits right next door to its much larger neighbour Stratford.

Maryland first appeared on a London map way back in 1696, when the area was known as “Maryland Point”.

The exact origin of the name ‘Maryland’ is not altogether clear – there’s an interesting little story behind it.

One theory is that the name Maryland originates from a rich local merchant who bought land and built in the area having returned from the then American colony of “Maryland”

Apparently – despite extensive research, this theory hasn’t been able to be 100% confirmed. However – what has been documented is that a merchant by the name of ‘Richard Lee’ (1617-1664) – who was the Great Great Grandfather of the American Civil War Confederate Army leader Robert E Lee – emigrated to Virginia USA around 1640 and became a tobacco planter, and trader. He owned land located on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, near a place known as Maryland Point (later called Maryland Point Light).

On returning to England in 1658, Richard Lee apparently bought land in the Stratford area and records from 1662 show that he built and owned a house there.

Now – if all that were true, then London’s Maryland would be an extremely rare example of a place in Britain being named after an American location – rather than the other way round.

Apparently this theory has been ‘challenged’ and dismissed by a professor who claimed that the name derives from Old English words for ‘boundary’ similar to ‘maere’ or ‘mearc’. Now……I don’t know anything about all that, but I do know which theory I prefer and like to believe!!

By the mid 1800’s, with the expansion of Stratford, Maryland grew into a busy and quite prosperous shopping area, drawing lots of folk into town.

In 1874 ‘Maryland Station’ opened – generating more growth to the district.

Maryland station is today part of the Elizabeth Line – where trains can go on to Paddington – Heathrow – Reading. The Greater Anglia service that heads out to the East Coast – passes through it, but (as far as I’m aware) no longer stops at Maryland.

Maryland station is only 1,266 yards distance from the next stop on the line, the extremely busy ‘Stratford’ station – you could almost spit further. I used to pass through it on my daily commute for most of the 43yrs I was at work.

Maryland has undergone some serious regeneration in the past couple of decades, especially with the hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games down the road in Stratford.

Back in the early 1970’s (around 1973/4)  having started work and subsequently holdin’ a bit of foldin’ in me ‘sky’ – I occasionally used to head off to Maryland for a drink or two in a pub called the ‘Charleston’, just down the road from Maryland Point – I remember there was always live music and a really lively vibe about that pub – which sadly has long since been demolished.

But, in music terms – Maryland has gone down in history and is well and truly on the ‘music map’ – as being the ‘birth place’ of one of the most successful ‘heavy metal’ bands in the history of rock music……”Iron Maiden” – and their connection to Maryland’s “Cart & Horses” pub

 Iron Maiden were formed in East London back in 1975, by bassist Steve Harris. The band were formed from members of a few local bands, who’d played a lot of live gigs in the East London area.

In 1976, the newly formed Iron Maiden played the ‘Cart & Horses’ pub at Maryland Point-London E15, for the first time – and went on to make many appearances at the pub throughout that year.

By 1977 the Iron Maiden’s regular appearances at the pub were well and truly putting themselves and the Cart & Horses pub on the ‘live’ music map – the place was mobbed every time they played there – with crowds queuing down the street to get in and many having to be turned away.

Iron Maiden played their last gig at the Cart & Horses pub-Maryland Point, in April 1978.

The band released their self-titled debut album in 1980 – and it was an instant success.

Vocalist Bruce Dickinson joined in 1981 – and the band went on to achieve global success, especially following the release of their million selling 1982 album ‘The Number of the Beast’ – and with the introduction of the band’s mascot ‘Eddie the Head’ at all their gigs, Iron Maiden have carved their own niche in ‘Heavy Metal’ music history with a string of platinum and gold selling albums.

To date – Iron Maiden have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide – making them one of the most successful Heavy Metal bands in music history – and to think that their amazing journey all began at the ‘Cart & Horses’ pub.

The pub has been situated on the corner of Maryland Point/Leytonstone Road since 1805 – although the building was rebuilt in 1882.

‘Live’ music is still a prominent regular activity at the Cart & Horses – and the venue is pivotal in promoting and showcasing local and London bands.

Quite rightly the Cart & Horses is proud of its Iron Maiden connection, and the entire pub is adorned throughout with ‘Maiden’ memorabilia – really ‘tastefully’ presented and displayed – the staff of the pub are friendly, and the vibe of the place is really welcoming and comfortable.

Now – personally, I’m not a great lover of Iron Maiden’s music, in as much as I wouldn’t go out and buy any of their stuff – I’ve never really been a big fan of Heavy Metal/Speed Metal stuff. However – my London Shoes thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the ‘Cart & Horses’ – viewing all the ‘Maiden’ memorabilia and sinking a nice couple of refreshing Guinness’s – so much so, I will most definitely return.

Hope you enjoyed this little story and its accompanying photos.

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See below the entire gallery of photos taken to accompany this ‘Cart & Horses; blog article