The 1960s was a decade like no other, bringing with it Beatlemania, beehive hairdos and the summer of love.

But the late 60s were also a time of huge change for Romford, according to Havering Libraries, as many shops and pubs faced demolition and the ring road started construction. 

This week we are going back in time to see what the "swinging sixties" looked like for Romford town centre - at the brink of all this change. 

Vintage photos of Romford in the 'swinging sixties'

Eastern Road, Romford - c.1965-1967

A view of Eastern Road, Romford in the mid-1960sA view of Eastern Road, Romford in the mid-1960s (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This view of Romford train station from Eastern Road shows the sign 'British Railways Romford - Frequent Electric Trains To London' with The Battis, Times Furnishing Company, and Hilbery Chaplin & Co visible nearby.

A.C.K. Motors’ garage can be seen on the left, while the building on the right is the former Romford Gas Company showroom, according to Havering Libraries. 

High Street, Romford - c.1965/1967

High Street, Romford in around 1965High Street looking towards London Road in around 1965 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This photograph captures a view of High Street with The Sun Inn and Salvation Army Citadel in the distance, says Havering Libraries.

The Woolpack Inn stands at the High Street and Mawney Road junction, while various shops, including a tobacconist and Richard Armstrong Gents Hairdresser are visible along the street, with a smiling boy in a parka in the front of the photo.

South Street, Romford - September 1967

South Street in September 1967South Street in September 1967 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This photograph by Kenneth D. Ruthven shows James Walker Jewellers' clock on the left, leading towards the British Railways railway bridge.

On the right is the Odeon Cinema, with new buildings replacing the early 20th-century shopping parade, some of which remain empty.

READ MORE: Romford and Hornchurch cinemas captured in vintage photos

Mercury Gardens, Romford - c.1967/1968

Mercury Gardens under construction in the late 1960s (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This photograph from around 1967 or 1968 shows Mercury Gardens under construction, with the soon-to-be demolished Laurie Hall in the centre.

Mercury House is rising on the left, while the Central Library - which opened in 1965 - and outbuildings of St. Edward's Primary School are also visible on the right.

Market Place, Romford - 1967

A photograph showing market day in 1967 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This 1967 photograph shows the 'Blondie of Beffnal Green' stall at Romford Market.

The road through the market was closed to traffic in September 1969, according to Havering Libraries.