Barking: Abbey, Fire Bell Gate and Riverside History

Barking brings together religious and architectural history with the River Roding and a present-day market. If you are planning a stay, you can use these different themes to guide your own interests: the Abbey and Fire Bell Gate represent historic architectural and religious history, Town Quay/Mill Pool reflects Barking’s past by the river, and Barking Park and the market offer other points of interest.

Barking Abbey and Fire Bell Gate

The history of Barking Abbey begins around 666 AD: the abbey was founded by Erkenwald, who later became Bishop of London. The surviving ruins date from the abbey’s rebuilding in the 12th century. After its restoration, Barking Abbey became one of England’s most important nunneries. This makes it possible to distinguish between its founding, architectural rebuilding and later historical significance. If you are interested in England’s medieval religious history, this sequence provides a clear framework for the history of Barking.

Fire Bell Gate adds architectural detail to this historical perspective. The two-storey gatehouse dates from the late 15th to early 16th century. Its upper floor 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, with figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint John. The Rood is therefore considerably older than the gatehouse where it is located. The structure, its former use as a chapel and its religious sculpture bring together different periods.

The Old Granary offers a different architectural point of interest: the building dates from the mid-19th century, is made of yellow brickwork and has a slate roof. These features add to the comparison with Fire Bell Gate. There, the two-storey structure, former chapel function and older Rood define its character; at the Old Granary, it is the date of construction, brickwork and roof. Barking’s buildings can thus be distinguished by their individual forms and histories, rather than being reduced to a single period.

Riverside history, park and market

Town Quay/Mill Pool focuses on the River Roding. The site lies by the river, about two miles north of where the River Roding flows into the River Thames. Town Quay was a riverside quay where local fishing and other industries were concentrated. Its riverside location and economic history are therefore linked: the quay is both a geographical landmark and part of the history of local work. The approximate distance places Town Quay/Mill Pool along the river without claiming a more precise measurement.

Barking Park adds a later development to the local historical themes: the park opened as a Recreation Ground in 1898. The year places its history in the late 19th century and broadens the picture beyond medieval religious and riverside history.

Barking Market offers a different point of interest. Its food court serves street food from many different cultures, creating a culinary contrast with the historic buildings and industrial history along the River Roding. If you would like to include this area in your plans, check the latest market information before your visit, as operating details may change.

Planning your stay

The nearest station to Abbey Green is Barking station. Check the current timetable for a specific journey.

For the wider travel overview: Barking And Dagenham.