Old Dagenham Village

Mapping the history of Dagenham Village

These maps show the growth of Dagenham over 4 centuries from a small village to part of a large Metropolitan borough. From the earliest map of 1653, the main centre of settlement is around the church and on the north side of Crown Street.

This map was drawn up for Thomas Fanshawe of Jenkins, Lord of the Manor of Barking. His family name is still commemorated in the borough as is Ibscott and Wyhill who were the owners of small plots of land in Dagenham.

Chapman and Andre's map of 1777 shows a slight growth of the village. Houses are now found on the south side of Crown Street and there are many more buildings in Bull Lane.

The 1862 Ordnance Survey gives us a very detailed picture of the area. It gives information regarding specific buildings including schools, public houses, churches, chapels and almshouses. Buildings coloured in pink were made of bricks and those in grey of wood. The main street, Crown Street, is surprisingly hilly as indicated by the spot heights.

Immediately surrounding the village were many large orchards and gardens. The village is set within an agricultural landscape and 2 of the main farms in the area are visible on the map.

Although this map of 1921 is 60 years later than the previous map one can see that very little has altered over this period. Changes which have occurred include the building of a few small terraced streets such as Station and Glebe roads, a football ground and allotments. The new Village Infants School which opened in 1874 is also an additional feature.

The 1938 map clearly illustrates the growth of Dagenham and the surrounding of the village by the Becontree Estate. At this stage the village remains intact with a few additional streets for example St Giles Close and Avenue and Charlotte Road. Immediately to the south, a wedge of farmland still survives and thus a rural character is maintained.

Current map of Dagenham Village|

The Eastern end of Crown Street has been demolished and the road closed. Traffic now by-passes the old village area and travels down Siviter Way to Ballards Road. Until the late 1960s, Dagenham still retained its village atmosphere. Today little evidence remains of the small agricultural community that Dagenham once was.

Contact

Linda Rhodes

Local Studies Librarian

Local Studies Centre

Valence House Museum

Becontree Avenue

Dagenham

RM8 3HT

Tel: 020 8270 6896

Fax: 020 8270 6897

Email: localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk|