Above is a wonderful picture of Epping High Street from c1905 with a man posing for the camera, leaning against the famous water fountain erected in 1887.

On the left can be seen the wrought-iron gates leading to the Archimedean Ironworks owned by the Cottis family who were once the town's largest employer.

Cottis were well known for making agricultural tools and machinery.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

You can follow Gary Stone on Instagram @eppinghistory