Barking and Dagenham
Once part of Essex, the borough of Barking and Dagenham was formed administratively speaking in 1965. But the area has a long history which can be traced back to the Stone Age. Various Stone Age artifacts have been found in the Borough and evidence suggesting settlement in the Bronze and Iron Ages have also been unearthed.
Barking began as a fishing village, and also went on to be known for its victuallers, spar makers, and later its shipping trade and chemical plants; whereas Dagenham is home to the world famous Ford Motor Company, which was producing cars until 1931, but now produces specific parts such as engines and gearboxes.
The River Roding travels through part of Barking and Dagenham, but the main river in the borough is of course the Thames. England's largest fishing fleet, the Short Blue Fleet, was once based here.
Because of the borough's past shipping trade links, it has water links connecting it to many parts of the UK and abroad.
Barking and Dagenham also has a number of stations on the London Underground, but journey times can vary as the less popular stations are often only open at peak hours.
Famous former residents include actor Dudley Moore, and World Cup winning football coach Alf Ramsay.
London Boroughs