St Margaret's Parish Church, Barking
Sightseeing attraction | Barking | England | United Kingdom
The St Margaret’s Parish Church in Barking, England, is a historic parish church of the Church of England deeply rooted in the history of the region. It is located within the remains of the former Barking Abbey, a royal monastery founded in the 7th century, and is considered one of the oldest Christian sites in the country where prayers have been offered for over 1,300 years. The church itself, dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, was built in the early 13th century during the reign of King John as a small chapel for the local population, and was elevated to a parish church around the year 1300 by the Abbess Anne de Vere. Today, it is a Grade I listed building and a vibrant testament to medieval architecture and history.
The oldest surviving structure of the church is the chancel, dating back to the 13th century foundation. Over the centuries, the building has been significantly expanded, with the main body of the nave and the bell tower added in the 14th and 15th centuries. The tower, originally housing eight bells, is a prominent feature that defines the silhouette of the church. Many architectural elements, such as fragments of carved stone, are believed to come from the destroyed abbey church, which was sold as building material after the dissolution of the monastery in 1539. Particularly striking is the so-called Curfew Tower, also known as the Fire Bell Gate, a 15th-century gatehouse that once formed the central entrance to the monastery precinct. The name "Curfew Tower" recalls the tradition of ringing a bell before curfew to prompt residents to extinguish their fires – a practice that continued in Barking until 1900.
Inside the church, there are numerous historical details that testify to its rich past. The chancel leans slightly to one side, an architectural feature typical of many medieval churches that often had symbolic significance. Impressive tomb monuments are set along the north wall, including that of Sir Crisp Gascoyne, who served as the first Lord Mayor of London in Mansion House in 1753 and died in 1762. Another notable tomb is that of William Pownsett, the steward of the abbey at the time of its dissolution in 1539, who was granted the right to appoint the vicar of the parish. The stained glass windows of the church are also significant, especially one in the southern area that commemorates the fishermen of Barking, who once provided one of the country's most important fishing fleets. The roof structure, partially damaged in a fire in 1994, still bears traces of the original wooden construction preserved during the restoration.
The church has close ties to significant historical figures. On December 21, 1762, the famous explorer Captain James Cook married Elizabeth Batts, a local woman from Barking, here. This marriage added further historical importance to the church. Other prominent figures, such as Sir Charles Montagu, a 17th-century parliamentarian, are buried here, with his wall memorial still intact. The church was also part of a larger religious network connected to Barking Abbey, whose influence once extended to All Hallows Church next to the Tower of London.
In addition to its historical role, St Margaret’s is also an active center of the community today. It is home to a multicultural Christian community that reflects the diversity of modern Barking, an area with high ethnic diversity and social challenges. The surrounding churchyard, with old gravestones and mature trees, creates an almost rural atmosphere amidst the urban setting and borders the green space of the abbey ruins, preserved as a protected archaeological area. Visitors can enter the church through the Curfew Tower and find a place of hospitality in the adjacent community center, where the history and everyday life of the community intersect.
St Margaret’s Parish Church is more than just a building – it is a place that connects the layers of history from early Christian beginnings through medieval prosperity to industrial and modern times. It offers insight into the past and a space for vibrant community life, remaining a hidden gem among London’s attractions that impressively represents the rich history and culture of Barking.
