Barking Workhouse Plaque restored

We were delighted to unveil this morning a fascinating fragment of Barking's 18^th century workhouse, restored and relocated to Abbey Green, Barking.

The plaque was once mounted high on the pediment of Barking’s Georgian workhouse and is the only surviving remnant of a building that once dominated Barking's civic life.

Demolished in 1936, the workhouse has vanished from the townscape, but the stone plaque spent decades lying in pieces in the kitchen garden at Eastbury Manor House.

Careful restoration work from Cliveden Conservation has restored its legibility and it has been pieced back together and relocated as close to its original site as possible.

A translation of the Latin reads:

“This house, of honourable industry, was built and paid for by the distinguished members of Barking Parish to restrain the disorder of the wicked and improve the spirit of the poor, for the glory of God.

178[6] - the 26th year of the reign of [King] George III.”

Over 220 local young people were involved in the project through our Proud Places programme.

At the unveiling, there were speeches from HOLT Director Dr Nicola Stacey, Cllr Manzoor Hussain, Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, and Simone Panayi, Heritage Engagement Officer, BeFirst - Barking and Dagenham's regeneration delivery agency. The ribbon was cut by the Mayor alongside pupils from St Margaret's CofE Primary School.  

Cllr Manzoor Hussain said: "Projects like this make people proud - to learn about the people that came before us and to see their long-lasting hard work and protect it. It also gives Barking some positive exposure and might bring in more visitors, boosting the local economy. It's important for so many reasons that Councils and heritage organisations continue to collaborate in preserving sites like this."

Naima, age 11, said: “Studying the history of Barking Workhouse has helped us understand how our community has evolved over time. It shows us attitudes towards poverty, welfare and support have changed and how Barking has grown from its Victorian past into the vibrant community we know today. This links to our learning about Victorian Britain, local history and the way society has changed to improve people's lives.”

Kayla, age 11, said: “Having a piece of Barking's history displayed on our school wall makes us feel proud and connected to the generations who lived here before us. It reminds us that history is not just something we read about in textbooks. It happened on the very streets we walk every day. It makes us wonder what future generations will think about our impact and the legacy we leave behind.”

The project was supported by the Jones Day Foundation with additional support for the plinth from Weston Homes and Historic England. The plinth was built and designed by Alan Baxter.

Hanbury fountain now in full working order

Following the successful restoration of the Hanbury Fountain on 10 March this year, the original historic taps were removed for a full replication and redesign. This has taken longer than anticipated as specialist parts need to be made. However, due to the warm summer weather, and to ensure the fountain can be used as soon as possible, we have now installed new temporary taps – the same as at the Toynbee Fountain – and the fountain is now back in working order and able to be used.

The historic bronze spouts will be integrated into the new permanent design. The new internal design is currently undergoing testing and manufacture of bespoke parts and will only be installed once thoroughly tested. It is envisaged the new final design will be installed in the next two to three months.

Restoration of Whittington Stone

All of London’s Mayors turned out on a glorious Sunday morning to unveil the restored Whittington Stone in Highgate.

This much-loved monument to the iconic Londoner Dick Whittington has been restored thanks to a project by Heritage of London Trust and Islington Council, generously supported by the Englefield Charitable Trust.

The stone was in poor repair, illegible and the railings were corroding. The restoration, carried out by SSH Conservation, included careful stone repairs, recutting and repainting of the lettering along with refurbishment of the railings. To add inspiration, an interpretation panel on the adjacent wall will be fitted soon. 

A whopping 360 young people have been involved in the project through our Proud Places programme, engaging in creative workshops and learning about conservation. 

The young people have taken inspiration from Dick Wittington’s story of perseverance:

“Dick Whittington inspired me by not giving up on the first go but kept on going until he succeeded!" said Amen, age 11, St John's Upper Holloway C of E School.

"I think it's important for young people to know the story of Dick Whittington because it's a really inspiring story for all of us and basically it's to never give up and you should always try!." said Betty Rose, age 11, St John's Upper Holloway C of E School.

"It felt amazing to be at the Whittington Stone and have a go at the painting. I love cats so much and when I saw the statue it was so good! It looked so cute. My favourite part was seeing the cat and I didn't know it could bring good luck! Dick Whittington has a great story." said Isla, age 11, St John's Upper Holloway C of E School.

Annaliese, age 9, from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School spoke to the crowd about the story of Dick Whittington.

The spectacular walk happens every spring, organised by the Lord Mayor’s Association, celebrating one of the most loved characters from London’s past.

 Why don't you take a wander and check it out? ✨🐈‍⬛

Photo credit: Em Fitzgerald Photography Islington Council