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Search the Public Notice PortalDagenham's only surviving medieval manor house is having its moat and surrounding landscape restored - here is everything we know about the project.
In July a planning application was approved for the "repair and restoration" of the moat around Valence House Museum in Becontree Avenue.
The approval of a masterplan for the site in October came soon after the National Lottery Heritage Fund announced Barking and Dagenham as a ‘Heritage Place’ - part of an initiative to help communities celebrate their past.
The earliest mention of a house on the site was in the 1250s when Gilbert Hakun of Barking granted land to Sir Hugh de Dyve, a knight in the service of Henry III.
In 1298 Agnes de Valence, a niece of Henry III, was leased the house and it is after her whom the estate is later named.
Around 1300, the moat was dug around the property - possibly due to Agnes de Valence wanting to show her social status.
Originally surrounding the house on all four sides, the moat would have enabled fish, ducks and geese to be bred and kept for food.
Work to restore the moat begun in January this year with the "primary objective" of restoring the "environmental and natural habitat conditions of the medieval moat" and is expected to last until spring.
Miles Water Engineering are the appointed contractors.
Work will be done on erosion control, bank stabilisation with vegetation planting and new reed beds to better protect the water edges and banks and provide access to the area for visitors.
A Barking and Dagenham Council spokesperson confirmed in early February this year that the project will restore the site’s natural habitat, environmental conditions and ecology and help protect wildlife with areas of wildflower meadow.
"Proper maintenance and care" will also be taken of The Holm Oak - a "unique natural heritage asset over 350 years old and one of London’s oldest trees".
Dagenham Urban District Council (DUDC) bought Valence House In 1926 to use as the town hall for the growing Becontree Estate and a year later Valence Park was created.
A museum and art gallery was established in the building in 1936 and two years later it became the headquarters for Dagenham Library Service.
Valence House was listed Grade II in 1954 and in 2010 it was reopened to the public following a two-year, multi-million pound redevelopment project.
Barking and Dagenham Council has confirmed that no fishing or swimming will be allowed in the moat in order to protect its ecological environment, aquatic life and wildlife.
An archaeological survey will be undertaken and all evidence and documentation will be made available in the archives and collections at the museum.
After restoration works are complete, Valence House Museum will launch new engagement activities with new trails and interpretation about the history and heritage of the medieval moat for residents, communities, schools and visitors to enjoy and learn about local history.
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