Barking: History, River and Market

Barking combines a deep-rooted abbey history with riverside scenery, a park and market life. If you would like to get to know London not only through its major centres but also through a range of distinct local characters, Barking offers several clearly differentiated points of interest to incorporate into your plans.

Barking Abbey and Historic Buildings

Barking Abbey was founded around AD 666 by Erkenwald, the later Bishop of London. The surviving ruins date from the rebuilding of the abbey in the 12th century. After its restoration, Barking Abbey became one of England’s most significant nunneries. The history of the site can therefore be understood across several periods: from its foundation in the Early Middle Ages through its later rebuilding to its significance as a nunnery.

Another historic point of reference is Fire Bell Gate. The two-storey gatehouse dates from the late 15th to early 16th century. Its upper storey served as the Chapel of the Holy Rood. Below and north of the east window is a stone rood dating from the late 12th century, complemented by figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint John. For visitors interested in architecture and ecclesiastical history, Fire Bell Gate therefore offers several details that can be considered independently of one another.

The Old Granary is also part of Barking’s built heritage. The building dates from the mid-19th century and consists of yellow brickwork with a slate roof. Together with Barking Abbey and Fire Bell Gate, it does not form a single architectural complex, but rather a chronologically diverse sequence of historic evidence: medieval abbey history, an early modern gatehouse and a building from the Industrial Age.

River Roding, Park and Market

Town Quay/Mill Pool lies on the River Roding approximately two miles north of the point where the River Roding flows into the River Thames. The river also forms part of the area’s economic history: local fishing and other industries in Barking were concentrated at Town Quay, a riverside quay. Anyone wishing to explore Barking’s development along the water in addition to its architectural history will find a distinct thematic focus here.

Barking Park opened as a Recreation Ground in 1898. The park adds a documented connection to the history of public open spaces to the historical themes. Barking Market provides a different focus. The market includes a food-court area offering street food from many different cultures. This means that a stay in Barking can be explored not only through monuments and river history, but also through different forms of public life and food.

Guidance for Choosing Your Accommodation

When looking for a hotel in Barking, you can first decide which focus should shape your stay. For finding your way around Abbey Green, Barking station is the nearest railway station. This allows you to link your choice of base with the specific places in Barking that you would like to explore in greater detail.

More Destinations in London

If you would like to combine Barking with other London destinations, you can then discover Greenwich, Twickenham, Ealing, Brixton, Mitcham, Kingston Upon Thames, Islington and West Wickham.