Beautiful church with so much history. The staff were so helpful and enthusiastic. There's a display about Captain Cook who was married here, also a screen detailing the history of the church and Abbey over the centuries. Ask to see the stunning lithograph of Barking Abbey in another room.
Jeff benjamin
Grade I Listed building set back on former Abbey grounds also retaining some associated historical fabric. Perhaps of more interest to those enthralled by ecclesiastical history. The surroundings here are enervated and pointedly dreary but worth a look in, if footloose and adrift hereabout. An active community here.
Robin Dixon
Anglican church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch. Built in 1215 located originally within the grounds of Barking Abbey. It has undergone extensive additions and repairs over the centuries. Medieval font with ornate lid. Many connections to the sea, particularly the fishing industry that was dominant for hundreds of years in Barking. Captain James Cook was married here. The refectory area is a late 20th century addition that blends in well. The refectory is open for meals, snacks and (soft) drinks Tuesday to Thursday, closes at 2pm. Don't forget to look around the burial ground and Abbey ruins.
Muhammad Haque183 days ago
Centuries-old parish church of St. Margaret of Antioch Virgin and Martyr - a Grade I Listed Building dating back to 1215 - is standing tall within the ground of the historic Barking Abbey under the canopies of trees and flanked by the Abbey Ruins, Graveyards and Open Space! It is one of the greatest historic heritage attractions of this East End Area along with the Barking Abbey Ruins! Barking Abbey Ruins is the ruins of the former royal monastery established in 666 AD and only surviving building after it was demolished in 1541 AD is the Curfew Tower (Grade II Listed Building) and adjacent St Margaret's Church!
From the onset, it does not seem that the Church and Ruins are holding the stories & secrets of eras for over many many centuries in the plain sight! This makes Barking Abbey and surroundings an exciting opportunity discovering stunning heritage, historical facts, importance, hidden facts - new & old, and much more!
Some historical facts - William the Conqueror stayed at the Barking Abbey while the White Tower of the Tower of London was being built. Famous explorer Captain James Cook got married here at the Barking Abbey! And to a huge surprise, the walls at the Ruins are there to showcase the original foundations as the original foundations are buried deep under the surface!
Who knew that there is a sculpture called "Blocks of London Bridge" by Dutch artist and sculptor Joost Van Santen located in plain sight insignificantly! These two blocks of the foundation of the demolished old London Bridge - the one sold & reconstructed at Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA. Many visitors may have a sit down, take rest on these blocks without realising that these are of old London Bridge 🌉!
The parish church of St. Margaret of Antioch Virgin and Martyr is commonly known as Barking Abbey Church. It has been described as having been one of the most important religious institution in the country being the centre of religious worship, education, and community for centuries since its establishment going through the periods of unrest, the Black Death, the Reformation, the Great Plague, the Civil War, industrialisation, and two World Wars! It continues to be the hub of church, community, educational, and religious activities.
Some of the key facilities of the church are St Margaret’s Café, St Margaret’s Centre and St Margaret’s Church! St Margaret’s Café is open to public from 11am to 2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday serving a variety of reasonably priced meals, snacks and homemade cakes. St Margaret’s Centre and St Margaret’s Church also provide facilities for weddings, baptism, and funerals!
It is worth joining a paid guided tour organised by experienced guide learning about the historic facts, hidden artifacts of this centuries-old heritage site!
The Clock Tower with clock on each side can be seen from distance and is displaying the time correctly!
Barking Abbey has very good transport links including bus, train and national rails. There are street parking including Accessible Disabled ♿ 🅿 available along with ASDA Car Park and Bobby Moore Way Car Park.
Some other key attractions of the area is the Barking Town, Market Place, River Roding, Barking Town Conservation Area, Barking Town Hall, Barking Folly Sculpture, and recently installed Barking Heritage Trail!
Valence House Museum has a section full of Barking Abbey history, heritage and artifacts! It is free to visit! It is a must visit museum for everyone of all ages!
Barking Abbey Church, Open Space, Parklands, Abbey Ruins, St. Margaret’s Centre are fully accessible! However, please be mindful of the surface, different areas because of the centuries-old landscape and follow the Signages for accessible entrances to the church and Abbey Ruins!
David Cook244 days ago
Great service, family events and connects to Barking Abbey Ruins which date back to 666AD.
Nalini Campbell306 days ago
I like this church is near me and peaceful
K SHK (KSHK)1 year ago
Thanks to Jesus, me and my dog go around the church everyday
The surroundings here are enervated and pointedly dreary but worth a look in, if footloose and adrift hereabout.
An active community here.
From the onset, it does not seem that the Church and Ruins are holding the stories & secrets of eras for over many many centuries in the plain sight! This makes Barking Abbey and surroundings an exciting opportunity discovering stunning heritage, historical facts, importance, hidden facts - new & old, and much more!
Some historical facts - William the Conqueror stayed at the Barking Abbey while the White Tower of the Tower of London was being built. Famous explorer Captain James Cook got married here at the Barking Abbey! And to a huge surprise, the walls at the Ruins are there to showcase the original foundations as the original foundations are buried deep under the surface!
Who knew that there is a sculpture called "Blocks of London Bridge" by Dutch artist and sculptor Joost Van Santen located in plain sight insignificantly! These two blocks of the foundation of the demolished old London Bridge - the one sold & reconstructed at Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA. Many visitors may have a sit down, take rest on these blocks without realising that these are of old London Bridge 🌉!
The parish church of St. Margaret of Antioch Virgin and Martyr is commonly known as Barking Abbey Church. It has been described as having been one of the most important religious institution in the country being the centre of religious worship, education, and community for centuries since its establishment going through the periods of unrest, the Black Death, the Reformation, the Great Plague, the Civil War, industrialisation, and two World Wars! It continues to be the hub of church, community, educational, and religious activities.
Some of the key facilities of the church are St Margaret’s Café, St Margaret’s Centre and St Margaret’s Church! St Margaret’s Café is open to public from 11am to 2pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday serving a variety of reasonably priced meals, snacks and homemade cakes. St Margaret’s Centre and St Margaret’s Church also provide facilities for weddings, baptism, and funerals!
It is worth joining a paid guided tour organised by experienced guide learning about the historic facts, hidden artifacts of this centuries-old heritage site!
The Clock Tower with clock on each side can be seen from distance and is displaying the time correctly!
Barking Abbey has very good transport links including bus, train and national rails. There are street parking including Accessible Disabled ♿ 🅿 available along with ASDA Car Park and Bobby Moore Way Car Park.
Some other key attractions of the area is the Barking Town, Market Place, River Roding, Barking Town Conservation Area, Barking Town Hall, Barking Folly Sculpture, and recently installed Barking Heritage Trail!
Valence House Museum has a section full of Barking Abbey history, heritage and artifacts! It is free to visit! It is a must visit museum for everyone of all ages!
Barking Abbey Church, Open Space, Parklands, Abbey Ruins, St. Margaret’s Centre are fully accessible! However, please be mindful of the surface, different areas because of the centuries-old landscape and follow the Signages for accessible entrances to the church and Abbey Ruins!