Valence House

Valence House was voted by the Guardian as one of the 50 best free things to do in London. The only surviving manor house in Dagenham, it dates back to Medieval times and is still partially surrounded by a moat. The site on which Valence House now stands was first recorded in a property deed in 1269. The house that stands today dates back at least to the 1400s.

The Valence House gallery traces the history of the house and surrounding land, and looks at many of the people who have lived there. It contains a model of the house in 1921, when it was still a family home. Following extensive refurbishment in 2010, exciting galleries tell the story of Barking and Dagenham and its people throughout the ages.

As well as exploring the museum, visitors can discover the tranquil herb garden and Dig for Victory plot, or research local and family history in the Archives and Local Studies Centre.

The Valence House grounds used to include the whole of what is now Valence Park. The moat was dug to encircle the house over 700 years ago! Along its banks are swamp cypresses, which glow a spectactular red in autumn. Between the moat and the house sits a spectacular veteran evergreen Holm Oak, judged to be one of the Great Trees of London.

Approaching the house, you can’t miss the tulip tree (Liriodendron). Its orange and yellow flower is the Valence House logo. A ginkgo biloba tree nestles close to the wall to the left of the door. An English Oak (Quercus robur) was planted nearby to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Between Valence House and Valence Library is an ancient coppiced hazel. The remains of an ancient yew tunnel and holly trees shield the park and library from Becontree Avenue.

Valence House also offers a year-round programme of events for all the family. Visits can be rounded off by enjoying light refreshments in the Oasis Café and browsing the gift shop.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alisha's Attic - The Indispensibles.