Barking Heritage Mural Celebrates Town's History
Artwork by Jake Attewell in East Street depicts key landmarks and past industries.
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A mural celebrating the history of Barking was completed in 2021 on a gable end in East Street. Artist Jake Attewell created the artwork, which draws on the town's long and varied past, from its Anglo-Saxon abbey to its periods as a centre for fishing and manufacturing.
Depicting Barking's Past
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The mural includes depictions of early 20th-century buildings that once lined East Street, which is now a pedestrianised shopping thoroughfare. It also references Barking's former electric tram network, which operated for a short period between 1903 and 1929 over a 2.8-mile route. The lines were never profitable and were eventually closed.
Another historical feature illustrated is a bascule bridge that spanned the River Roding. Constructed between 1898 and 1903, the bridge was built to carry trams to Beckton Gas Works. It was found to be costly to maintain and was demolished in 1929, with bus services replacing the tram route to Beckton. Some parts of the bridge's foundations are still visible on the south-western bank of the Roding.
The artwork also features Barking's oldest surviving building, the Curfew Tower, a medieval gateway dating from 1460. The tower is part of the remains of the town's ancient abbey, established around AD 666. The mural further illustrates Barking Quay during its time as a working wharf for fishing boats and related industries.
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Complementary Mosaic
Opposite the heritage mural, a mosaic by artist Tamara Froud depicts Barking Central Hall. This building, which stood on the site from 1928, was destroyed during World War II by a V2 rocket strike and subsequently demolished.
The Wellington Windmill, which had stood for 200 years, is also referenced as a lost landmark. It was located in what is now Duke's Court and was pulled down in July 1926.
Questions this report answers
+Where is the Barking Heritage Mural located?
The Barking Heritage Mural is situated on a gable end on East Street in Barking. It was painted by artist Jake Attewell in 2021 and is opposite a mosaic by Tamara Froud.
+What historical elements are depicted in the mural?
The mural showcases Barking's history, including early 20th-century buildings on East Street, the town's former electric tram network (1903-1929), and the bascule bridge built over the River Roding between 1898 and 1903.
+What is Barking's oldest building featured in the artwork?
Barking's oldest building, the Curfew Tower, which was built in 1460, is featured in the mural. It is a medieval gateway belonging to the town's ancient abbey.
+What does the mosaic opposite the mural show?
The mosaic opposite the Barking Heritage Mural, created by Tamara Froud, depicts Barking Central Hall. This building was constructed in 1928 but was destroyed by a V2 strike during the Second World War and later demolished.
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