Valence House Museum
A history of Valence House
The name of Valence
Valence was named after a noble family. In 1291, a widow named Agnes de Valence retired to Dagenham following the death of her third husband. She was related to the Royal Family, her grandmother being Isabella of Angouleme, wife of King John.
Agnes lived at the Dagenham estate for 19 years until her death in 1309. Although the land and property was only rented, her brother Aylmer claimed the estate on the death of his sister in 1309. When Aylmer died in 1342 he was buried in Westminster Abbey as the Earl of Pembroke.
Although the de Valence family were only associated with Dagenham for half a century, their surname has endured to the present day. Local roads, a public park, school, library and museum all bear this distinguished name.
Valence House Information Sheet 
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