'Our Barking' is blessed! New heritage exhibition opens at St Margaret's Church

Barking’s Heritage Volunteers are pleased and proud to present three years of research in a ‘pop up’ exhibition which has opened this week at St Margaret’s Parish Church – a building which is woven into the fabric of Barking’s ancient heritage- the oldest parts dating from the 1100s…

George Westbrook and his detailed map of Barking Creek

Mark Adams, the new vicar of Barking, has accommodated the heritage exhibition in the church sanctuary and it will be accessible to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 11am-2pm. Mark says, “Being Vicar of St Margaret’s is a great privilege. It is extraordinary to think that I now lead the worshipping community on site that has been a centre of prayer and worship for over 1300 years. St Margaret’s is still a place of prayer and worship today; home to vibrant and inclusive Christian community which meets together every Sunday morning at 11am and at other times during the week. If you would like to find out more about St Margaret’s, both its past and its present, then check out our website stmargaretschurchbarking.com or come along any Sunday morning. You would be most welcome!

Reverend Mark Adams - in mufti Church warden, Carol Brabender, has been a member of the church for 53 years, since moving to Barking from the London’s East End in 1967, and warden for the last 9. Carol has recently received royal approval from The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at the Royal Maundy Service in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Carol was one of the recipients of a purse of silver coins, or Maundy Money, in gratitude for her commitment to charities such as St Margaret’s Café for the Community. Prince Charles said, ‘Enjoy your day!’ and Carol certainly did!

Usually Carol can be found managing the café in the church refectory, Tuesday-Thursday lunch times. The cafe is part of the church centre and also supports mental health groups and hosts the local Asian and BME community. Carol has been singing, baking, raising funds and serving the church and wider community for many years. She was nominated to receive the Maundy blessing by Bishop Guli of Chelmsford. Whilst the first female Bishop of Barking, Reverend Lynn Cullens, recently visited the parish church, whose origins lie in the nearby abbey - which was led by women for centuries!

Carol is photographed with her hand upon her beloved church, shown next to Barking Abbey, before it was demolished during Henry VIII’s reformation. This model is going to be reproduced in bronze, as part of the improvements in front of the Curfew Tower. You can read more about the history of Barking Abbey, in the new Exhibition and in the Church’s own display about this amazing institution. Other historic buildings featured include the Curfew Tower – the gateway to and only remaining part of the ancient abbey, the Tudor Leet House and market-place and the grand homes which graced Barking Town in past centuries.

Sue Hamilton with her researchThe role of the River Roding and changes to transport are also key themes in our humble heritage exhibition produced by the Abbey and Barking Town Centre Heritage Project – funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and managed by Be First on behalf of LBBD. The sustainable wooden exhibition panels were created by staff and students at B&DC, project managed by student graduate and technician Jake Chatters.

Eric Feasey - impressed with the exhibition panels and happy to discuss the history with our visitors

The improvements to the public space in front of the Curfew Tower, restoration works in East street and Heritage Mural and art trail are also part of this project which will be completed this year.

Alex Lynch recreating the look of a Barking Fishing Wife

Come along to find out more about Barking’s heritage including fun facts and opportunities to dress up as Barking folk from the past including monks and nuns, fishermen and their wives, dockers and jute workers – a workforce of women and children, in their wooden clogs!

The exhibition will be moving on to the Barking Learning Centre in June, where it will be extended to include panels about Barking’s high street and restoration works and will include more models of Barking -created by pupils from Gascoigne Primary School… We will also be present at the exhibition, in St Margaret's Church, with fun activities, during Barking's Bike Fest event on Saturday "1st May! We hope to see you soon!