Curfew Tower Heritage

Improving our approach to the ancient Curfew Tower

As part of the Barking Town Centre Heritage Project we have aimed to high-light this historic gem, by improving the surrounding landscape and creating an attractive place to relax and discover more about the heritage of this site. At the entrance to the site of Barking Abbey Scheduled Monument, in the heart of the Abbey and Town Centre Conservation Area.

Grand Opening - May 2023
photograph: Jimmy Lee The National Lottery Heritage Fund has invested in improvements to the public realm here and funded a bronze model of Barking Abbey. The scaled model, created by Setworks, will help to explain the historic importance of the site, which includes St Margaret’s Parish Church and the abbey ruins, to which the Curfew Tower was the principal gateway. It will now be up-lit in the evenings to celebrate its majesty as a treasured feature of our local heritage.

New model of Barking Abbey by Setworks photograph: Jimmy Lee

In the past the curfew bell was rung to send people home, but we now hope that an attractive and welcoming approach will entice shoppers, residents and visitors to come over to explore Abbey Green and learn more about Barking’s rich history.

Photograph: Jimmy Lee

T Loughman & Co Ltd reused the existing York Stone flags and added granite sets, to create a pathway to the model and tower in tribute to the traditional Church Path. They have planted several Prunus avium ‘Plena’ (Cherry Blossom) trees to enhance the landscape, add shade and to frame, rather than obscure, this ancient monument, which has resided here for more than 500 years.

The new planting - the trees will blossom in the springtime - photograph: Jimmy Lee

A Time Capsule has been buried at the site with writing and illustrations about Barking by pupils from nearby St Joseph's and St Margaret's Primary Schools. This stainless steel capsule is designed to last over a hundred years and be unearthed by future generations. Read about the event here. See photos of the content in the Time Capsule content section.

Further information on the heritage of this special site can be viewed in the images and documents on this page, which were researched by our heritage volunteers at LBBD Archive and Local Studies Library at Valence House - where you can find out more about our local history.

Back row: Adrian Loughman (Contracts Director) Peter Martin (Contracts Manager) for T Loughman & Co Ltd, Simone Panayi - Heritage Engagement Officer and David Harley Deputy Development Director at Be First. Front row: Daniel, Yana, Mr Hartley, Neto and Simon from St Joseph's RC Primary School and Mr Callus, Mami, Deeksha, Baraka and Krindhay from St Margaret's C of E Primary School at the Curfew Tower, 30th January 2023.
Photograph: Melissa Page