Auction House London’s Area Guide to Dagenham
This latest addition to the Auction House London series takes us to the town of Dagenham in East London, within the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Dagenham is known as a historical parish, as well as for being the site of the Ford Motor Company’s plant for the best part of the 20th century. It has also become widely developed for residential properties, so there are often some excellent investment opportunities worth looking out for.
Where is Dagenham?
Located over eleven miles east of Charing Cross, Dagenham is bordered by Romford to the north, Ilford and Barking to the west, and Hornchurch and Rainham to the east. Dagenham’s southern tip reaches to the River Thames, where beyond the river lies Woolwich in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Dagenham has three connections to the London Underground in the form of Dagenham East, Dagenham Heathway, and Becontree, which are all on the District Line. The Elizabeth Line can be picked up by nearby Chadwell Heath station. There is also a National Rail train service from Dagenham Dock station, and multiple bus services that run throughout the town.
The history of Dagenham
Most of Dagenham’s history prior to the 20th century is that of a rural parish, before urban development began in earnest during the 1920s. Housing estates were built in this period, before the Ford Motor Company built its new and improved plant there in the early 1930s.
In 1968, the plant was the site of the famous Ford sewing machinists strike, when women employed there walked out in protest of sexual discrimination and unequal pay. The Ford plant produced some of the UK’s most popular cars before full production was discontinued in 2002.
Music fans may also be intrigued to learn that Dagenham was home to the Roundhouse music venue, which hosted many famous musicians in the 1960s and 1970s, including Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Queen.
What does the architecture and property look like in Dagenham?
Having experienced most of its urban development during the 20th century, there are not a lot of historically significant buildings in Dagenham. In fact, of the several manor houses once in the town, only the 13th century Valence House survives to this day. However, the many housing estates and residential properties offer plenty of interesting investment opportunities.
Recent opportunities include this three bedroom house previously offered at Auction on New Road. There is also this property offered in our next auction a three bedroom mid-terrace house listed on Day One on 11th December.
What are the amenities like in Dagenham?
Dagenham has a variety of local amenities serving the community, including supermarkets and mini-markets, restaurants and pubs. Valence House also serves as the local history museum, displaying artefacts and archives from the people of the borough. And although the Roundhouse no longer hosts famous music acts, there is a Grade-II-listed pub called the Eastbrook on Dagenham Road for some cultural enrichment and a pint.
Open spaces in Dagenham
There are quite a few open and green spaces to enjoy in and around Dagenham, including Abbey Green, Barking Park, and Eastbrookend Country Park. There is also a skate park in the form of Castle Green Park, as well as Central Park which features a children’s playground and sports facilities.
What are the schools like in Dagenham?
There are many primary schools in and around Dagenham and the wider borough, with a good offering of secondary schools and alternative educational facilities. Primary schools include Eastbrook School and Eastbury Community School, while the choice of secondary schools include Barking Abbey School, Dagenham Park Church of England School and All Saints Catholic School. Further education facilities include Barking and Dagenham College, while alternative and special schools include Mayesbrook Park School and Riverside Bridge School. There are also a handful of private and independent schools in Dagenham such as the NorthStar New School and the Lady Aisha Academy.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the capital. If you have questions about Dagenham or any other London area or suburb, please contact our team of property auction professionals. If you’re looking to buy property in London at an auction, browse through the lots listed in our forthcoming auction. Or, if you have a property you want to sell in London or the surrounding areas, why not see how much it could be worth in an auction with a free valuation by Auction House London.