Queen Victoria , during a ceremonial visit on Saturday May 6 1882, accompanied by her son Arthur, Duke of Connaught and daughter Louise, dedicated Epping Forest to “the use and enjoyment of my people for all time”.

It was estimated by The Times that half a million people came out on the day to cheer her arrival.

Dressed in mourning black following the death of Prince Albert in 1861 she came by special train from Windsor to Chingford station.

As well as a triumphal arch at Chingford station, a stand at High Beach was constructed to seat 2,000 City of London and local dignitaries and guests.

Her dedication of the forest came after a successful campaign to save the forest for public use, culminating in the Epping Forest Act of 1878 and the City of London’s role as conservator of the forest today.

Sophie Lillington, City of London Corporation’s Forest Centres Officer: Heritage and Interpretation, said: “It was a massive public celebration of the change of emphasis that was created by the Epping Forest Act in 1878.

“The Epping Forest Act is the legal saving of the forest for public use, but the celebration for tens of thousands of ordinary people coming out cheering the queen - the big bunting, gifts, horse and carriage day – happened four years later.”

The Queen wrote in her journal afterwards: “The enthusiasm was very great, and many quite poor people were out. The park has been given to the poor of the East End, as a sort of recreation ground. Nothing but loyal expressions and kind faces did I hear and see. It was most gratifying.”

The Duke of Connaught was appointed the first forest ranger.

Images and artefacts from the visit, including a replica of Queen Victoria’s mourning costume, are currently on display at The Temple in Wanstead Park.

The exhibition, entitled A Gift For All Time, is open between 10am and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.