Uncovering London's Barking Heritage Mural on East Street

Travelers exploring London can discover the Barking Heritage Mural located on East Street. Painted in 2021 by artist Jake Attewell, the artwork is situated on a gable end and highlights the town's eventful history.

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East Street functions as the main pedestrianised shopping street of the town. In the early 20th century, major stores such as M&S, Burtons and Woolworths lined the road. The mural depicts early 20th-century buildings from this thoroughfare, which historically led from Barking Abbey to Dagenham.

Historical Landmarks Featured on the Mural

• Curfew Tower: Built in 19460 as a medieval gateway into Barking Abbey, it stands as Barking's oldest building and appears on the coat of arms of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The original abbey was established around AD 666 by saints Earconwald and Ethelburga, with foundations remaining north of St Margaret's church.

• Electric Tram: Opened in 1903, Barking operated a 2.8-mile tram network that closed down in 1929.

• Bascule Bridge: Constructed between 1898 and 1903 to carry trams over the River Roding to Beckton Gas Works, the bridge was demolished in 1929 due to maintenance costs. Footing remnants are visible on the south-western bank of the Roding.

• Wellington Windmill: Named after Wellington, this mill stood in Duke's Court for 200 years before a traction engine pulled it down in July 1926.

• Barking Quay: The mural displays a scene of the quay when it operated as a working wharf for fishing boats and support industries.

Directly opposite the mural, visitors can view a mosaic by Tamara Froud representing Barking Central Hall, which opened in 1928 before a Second World War V2 strike ruined the building.