Services in Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham, a borough in East London, provides a range of essential services. It boasts well-equipped healthcare centers, a variety of educational facilities, and efficient transport links. The borough also offers numerous recreational spaces, community programs, and support services aimed at enhancing the well-being of its residents.

Barking and Dagenham, a borough in East London, has a rich historical tapestry that spans many centuries. The area was originally part of the ancient parish of Barking, which was a significant fishing and farming village dating back to the 1st century AD. The name "Barking" is believed to have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Berecingas," meaning either "the settlement of the followers or descendants of a man called Bereca" or "the settlement by the birch trees."

Historically, Barking was famous for its abbey, founded in the 7th century by Saint Erkenwald and later became one of the wealthiest nunneries in the country. The abbey was an important religious center until its dissolution in 1536 during the Reformation.

Dagenham was primarily agricultural until the 20th century, though it was noted in the Domesday Book of 1086. The development in Dagenham took a significant turn with the construction of the large Becontree estate in the 1920s and 1930s by the London County Council as part of a plan to alleviate overcrowding in London. This estate became one of the largest public housing developments in the world at the time.

The Ford Dagenham plant, opened in 1931, further transformed the area, becoming a major employer and contributing to its urbanization. This industrial growth attracted more residents and led to further developments in infrastructure and services.

Today, Barking and Dagenham combines its rich historical heritage with ongoing development and regeneration projects, reflecting its evolution from rural villages to a vibrant part of Greater London.

Find the most demanded services in Barking and Dagenham

On this page, we show you all that this wonderful city has to offer. From its renowned culinary scene to its innovative health services, world-class educational opportunities and a wide range of leisure options, Barking and Dagenham is a place where every need finds its solution.