Dagenham, Essex

DOWN THE LANE

Not that I was around in the 1890's, but that is when building of 55 Cottages was started in CHEQUERS LANE.
Built for workers at SAMUEL WILLIAMS, who were based at DAGENHAM DOCK, which is where my father, BERNARD MILLER, my Aunt, Florence (Flossy), her husband Earl Cecil Barringer and my grandfather John Miller, all worked.
I am fortunate enought to... [more]

Dagenham swimming pool.

My mum worked at Valence open swimming pool and my aunt worked in the buffet - what a result - in for free and free Oxo after the freezing water.  My mum looked after the ladies locker rooms - she remembers the boys trying to peep over the top of the girls lockers!  She remembers when they closed the pool and... [more]

Valence swimming pool

I remember Valence swimming pool from the late fifties. I lived in Bushgrove Road and went to Valence School and used to go early on a Saturday morning with my mates to be first in there before the crowds. I couldn't swim, but that didn't matter 'cos I had an old van tyre to keep me afloat (I've still got the... [more]

Dagenham 1934 -1950

My mum and dad were married in Old Dagenham Church and I was christened in the church in the mid thirties. I was educated in Fanshawe School from the infants right through to the secondary school and left school in Xmas 1949. My father owned 'Alberts' boot and shoe repair shop which was situated in a alley, which was access to... [more]

Romford Pocket Album

Situated on an open site between Rainham Road North and Rush Green Road, the Dagenham Civic Centre is a superb example of late-1930s civic architecture. It was built in 1937, as was the fire station beyond it. Central Park was laid out behind it. Its grand scale reflects the dramatic increase in size of Dagenham between the wars.

Romford Pocket Album

The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Dagenham, dates back to the 13th century. In 1800 the tower collapsed and was rebuilt. Since this c1950 picture, the tree in front of the church has grown to almost obscure it. The shops on the left remain, although the owners have changed; P G Wood & Son is now Krishna's Village Store.

Romford Pocket Album

The huge Becontree Estate, the largest planned housing estate in Europe, was built during the 1920s and 1930s on a green field site. It provided a high quality of accommodation for its day and a layout which included wide thoroughfares, many with central greenswards and avenues of trees. There were conveniently placed shopping parades at major junctions.