This area sits in the northern section of Dagenham’s Becontree neighbourhood. Known for its many council estate buildings, the streets are also lined with a fair share of quaint brick semi-detached and terraced houses. With the area’s affordability, it’s become a popular neighbourhood for families in search of inexpensive suburban homes. Beyond the real estate, residents are also spoiled by the beautiful trails through Valence Park. After a jog through the park, locals love stopping by the historical art collection at the Valence House Museum, often followed up with a meal at QQ Grill or the Family Cafe. Despite the quiet feel of the neighbourhood, residents love the community and everything it has to offer.

Valence House originally stood on the Manor of Valence back in the 14th and 15th centuries. The house stood on 5 acres of gardens and orchards. By 1921, the LCC had purchased the site, but by 1926, they had sold the grounds of the house to Dagenham Urban District Council. At this point, the council decided to use the house for its offices and eventually the Dagenham Libraries Headquarters. The council extended the house and converted some of the grounds into a works yard. In 1991, the building was converted into a museum and gallery.

Valence House is the only surviving manor house in Dagenham. Dating back to the medieval period, it is even still partially surrounded by a moat today.

Unfortunately, there are not many eateries or independent shops in this part of the neighbourhood. Still, it’s an easy stroll to the nearby high streets when in search of a more bustling commercial area.

The Valence House Museum recently won new financial support from the National Lottery Fund. This is not the first time that the museum has received such funding and they have always put it to good use. While it recently closed, their latest exhibition focused on celebrating the special and diverse people that live and work on the Becontree Estate. Their other exhibitions, which revolve around their permanent collection of over 20,000 objects from different eras, is much worth the visit. The moat that surrounds Valence House also received much need restoration work, considering that it’s one of the few moats in London that still has water in it.