Barking Creek

Barking's creek is the River Roding, probably named after the Saxon leader Hroda, from the Roding Valley, and also previously known as the Hile downstream - which gave it's name to Ilford... Interestingly the Roding did not mark the boundary with East Ham that was the role of Back River - little of which remains above ground today.

Both the route and role of the Roding has changed over time. It first attracted settlers to the area in pre-historic times and after the Saxon abbey was established beside it, it became for many years, the easiest way to reach the city of London, via the Thames. The river continued to be a vital link with London centuries later - used by fishing vessels and barges of cargo. Later in the twentieth century it ceased to have a working quay but is still used by houseboats and kayaks from Barking & Dagenham Canoe club! You can read more about the Roding and its tributaries in documents saved here and see more images of the Roding and surrounding marshlands in Barking. We will link you to related websites and video clips too.