The history behind Woodford's oldest surviving stately homes has been unrevealed to coincide with its 300th anniversary. 

Hurst House in Broomhill Walk was erected during the end of Queen Anne's reign in 1714 by a wealthy east London brewer Henry Raine, as a rural retreat from the hustle and bustle of his beer manufacturers in Wapping.   

Woodford was chosen as the destination of choice for his English Baroque-style villa as it was close to the River Thames and home to many of the rich bankers, merchants and businessmen that formed the East India Trading Company. 

A local trader Robert Preston even named two of his ships 'Woodford'.

During the 18th century, a large number of brick-built mansions were constructed along Woodford Row, most notably 'Highams' which is now Woodford County High School for Girls, but Hurst House is Woodford's last remaining mansion still used as a home. 

To celebrate its ties with the community and rich history, historian and Hurst House resident Nicola Munday marked the occasion by revealing the gardens to the public as part of Woodford Festival.

Mrs Munday lives in the five-bedroom Grade II listed home with her husband and two children.

She said: "2014 has been an exciting year to be living in Hurst House. 

"To celebrate its 300th anniversary, we decided to launch an informative website about its rich history rather than publish a book. 

"We hold a private charity fundraising event in the gardens every year but this year was special as we opened the gates to all of Woodford. 

"Over 1,000 visitors came and shared their stories of Hurst House and we are very pleased everyone enjoyed seeing the gardens."

Mrs Munday bought the house eight years ago after walking past it on her way to work and thinking "I'd never seen anything like this outside of London."

Two other notable grand buildings during that time was the Palladian Wanstead House, built in 1715, and Monkhams Estate house, but the former was demolished in 1825 raising only £10,000 and the latter was developed into housing after WWI. 

Hurst House also known as "The Naked Beauty" became the home of wealthy city merchants after Mr Raine's death in 1738 until the late 19th century when it spent a brief period as Woodford House School. 

It became a private residence again before the WWI and suffered a devastating fire in 1936 which resulted in a new roof and the upper floors being rebuilt.