Valence House moat restoration - Dagenham project progresses

Valence House Museum's north moat is being restored at Valence Park and whilst work was initially projected to be finished in spring, work is continuing to run into summer as some elements are weather dependent.

The work began in January with the "primary objective" of restoring the "environmental and natural habitat conditions" of the water body.

The moat has been drained and silt was left to dry before being re-distributed.

Valence House was first mentioned in 1250 (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

A Barking and Dagenham Council spokesperson said: "Work on the North Moat is continuing into the summer, as elements of the restoration are dependent on seasonal conditions.

"Significant progress has already been made, including the installation of revetments and coir rolls (a structure or system used to reinforce or protect a bank or slope from erosion) around the edge of the moat.

"Following drainage works, silt has been left to dry and is now being carefully re-distributed within the moat as part of the restoration process."

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.

Valence House Museum north moat (Image: LBBD)

Works to the visitor centre are nearing completion, according to the council, and in early summer targeted render investigations are being carried out at the Grade II* listed building.

These are "small, localised surveys to better understand the condition of the historic medieval timber-framed structure" and inform future conservation work.

Miles Water Engineering are the appointed contractors for the project and in February told this paper that restoration works also include bank stabilisation with vegetation planting and helping protect wildlife with areas of wildflower meadow.

Ensuring "proper maintenance and care" of The Holm Oak - a "unique natural heritage asset over 350 years old" and one of London’s oldest trees is also an aim.

Drone shot of the works captured in mid April (Image: Piercy’s Droneography)

The council spokesperson added: "An archaeological watching brief undertaken during the moat restoration has also recently been completed.

"This work confirmed that much of the moat has been altered through modern interventions, particularly in the 1960s, and that overall archaeological significance within the moat itself is low.

"However, it did highlight some features of potential interest on the northern bank, contributing to our understanding of the site’s historic development.

"The full report is publicly available to view at Valence House Museum Local Studies Centre and Archives.

"Valence House Museum remains open to the public and we look forward to welcoming visitors as improvements continue to enhance this important local heritage site.”