Valence House Museum

Valence House Museum
Becontree Avenue
Dagenham
Essex
RM8 3HT
England

Website

Main LBBD Heritage web page

www.lbbd.gov.uk/heritage

E-mail

Museum

valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Archives & Local Studies Centre

localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Telephone

Information

020 8227 2034

Curator

020 8227 5222

Archives & Local Studies Centre

020 8227 2033

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
baby changing facilities icon Food icon Guided tours icon Shop icon Library icon Study area icon Visual disability facilities icon Wheelchair access icon

Valence House is a Medieval and later timber-framed and partially moated building situated in parkland. Its collection covers all aspects of the historic life and environment of the old Essex parishes of Barking and Dagenham. Valence House reopened in June 2010 following extensive refurbishment which included entirely new displays and provision of a lift giving disabled access to part of the first floor.

A herb garden was laid out to one side of the house in the 1990s. A new Visitor Centre contains the Barking and Dagenham Archives and Local Studies Centre, cafe, shop and education and function rooms.

There is wheelchair access to the ground floor and part of the first floor of Valence House itself. The grounds and Visitor Centre, including the Archives and Local Studies Centre, are fully accessible.

Venue Type:

Museum, Library, Archive, Heritage site, Historic house or home, Garden, parklands or rural site

 Opening hours

Mon-Sat 1000-1600

Closed: Sundays and Bank Holidays

 Admission charges

Free

 General services and facilities
  • Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
  • Guided tours
  • Pre-booking service for groups
  • Toilets
  • Cafeteria
  • Gardens open to public
  • Picnic area
  • Refreshments
  • Restaurant
  • Shop
 Children and families
  • Events and resources for children and families
  • Baby changing facilities
 Disability access
  • Events/teaching/resources for people with disabilities
  • Touch exhibits
  • Parking for disabled available
  • Toilets for disabled
  • Wheelchair access to some public areas
 Schools services and facilities
  • Direct teaching services for schools
  • Primary school education service available
  • Secondary school education service available
  • Education facilities available
  • Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
 Research and adult learning
  • Academic publications and resources available
  • Adult lectures and courses held
  • Loan service
  • Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students
  • Library
  • Library with public access
  • Research facilities for academics
  • Study facilities
 Commercial and hire services
  • Facilities for private functions and events
  • Meeting room available

Valence House Museum
Becontree Avenue
Dagenham
Essex
RM8 3HT
England

Website

Main LBBD Heritage web page

www.lbbd.gov.uk/heritage

E-mail

Museum

valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Archives & Local Studies Centre

localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Telephone

Information

020 8227 2034

Curator

020 8227 5222

Archives & Local Studies Centre

020 8227 2033

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

The collection includes items from Prehistoric to modern times representing the lives of the inhabitants of the Essex parishes of Barking and Dagenham. The display areas include a reconstruction council 1945 living room and kitchen, a Victorian Servants Parlour of the 1890s and a Barking chemists shop.

Collection details

Archaeology, Archives, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Land Transport, Medicine, Personalities, Social History, Weapons and War

Key artists and exhibits

  • The Museum is home to the Fanshawe collection of portraits dating from the 16th to the 20th century

Collections services

  • Object identification and/or written enquiry service
  • Specialist publications on collections available
  • Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)

Valence House Museum
Becontree Avenue
Dagenham
Essex
RM8 3HT
England

Website

Main LBBD Heritage web page

www.lbbd.gov.uk/heritage

E-mail

Museum

valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Archives & Local Studies Centre

localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Telephone

Information

020 8227 2034

Curator

020 8227 5222

Archives & Local Studies Centre

020 8227 2033

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
Exhibition details are listed below, you may need to scroll down to see them all.

Local Brides Exhibition ( temporary)

11 February — 7 April 2012

Local photographs of changing bridals fashions though the years

Offical Opening Saturday 18th February

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Victorian Week: Victorian charity in Dagenham

10 April 2012

Display on the William Ford and Uphill charities and their archives. (Visitor Centre).

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

-

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Barking Art Society Exhibition

14 April 2012

Barking Art Society exhibit their latest works in the temporary exhibition gallery at Valence House Museum. This exhibition runs until 28th April.

When

-

Admission

Valence House Museum, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT
Phone 020 8227 2034, e-mail valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Exhibition to celebrate Queens Diamond Jubillee

5 May — 7 July 2012

Sat 5th May – Sat 7th July – Jubilee exhibition

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Where

Valence House Becontree Avenue Dagenham RM8 3HT

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum
Becontree Avenue
Dagenham
Essex
RM8 3HT
England

Website

Main LBBD Heritage web page

www.lbbd.gov.uk/heritage

E-mail

Museum

valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Archives & Local Studies Centre

localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Telephone

Information

020 8227 2034

Curator

020 8227 5222

Archives & Local Studies Centre

020 8227 2033

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.
Valence House Museum

Friends of Valence House Tuesday Talks

14 February 2012

10 January at 2.00pm: Nursery rhymes, by Brian Billins
Tuesday 14 February at 2.00pm: 100 years of guiding, by Deirdre Marculescu
Tuesday 13 March at 2.00pm: Tales from a monastery, by Chris Cole
Tuesday 17 April at 2.00pm: Chloroform and crime, by Linda Stratmann

Suitable for

  • 16-17
  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4pm

Admission

Members free. Non - members £1.50

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Bridal Garden Treasure Trail

15 February 2012

A children’s event to accompany the Century of Local Brides exhibition.

Suitable for

  • 0-4
  • 7-10
  • 5-6
  • Especially for children

When

10am-4pm

Admission

Small charge TBC - see website for details

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Family tree

Family History helpdesk

18 February 2012

If you are a beginner to family history, or have hit a brick wall in your research, committee members of the local branch of the East of London Family History Society are here to help.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-3:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

First come first serve basis. Closed for lunch 12:45–1:15. Tel: 020 8227 2033, e-mail: localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Tea Dance

25 February 2012

Get out your dancing shoes for this nostalgic and fun afternoon!

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • 16-17
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4pm

Admission

Ticketed event- £4.50 includes tea and cake - see website for details

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Image of people using the library's computer resources

Introduction to the Ancestry website

29 February 2012

Ancestry Library Edition can be used free of charge in the Archives & Local Studies Centre. This session includes a demonstration of some of Ancestry’s most useful features.

If you need guidance on getting the most from Ancestry, join the Local Studies Librarian for this demonstration and workshop. It is not a course but a single session, repeated. Limited to 6 people.

Some experience of family history and internet is necessary.

Suitable for

  • Not suitable for children
  • 18+

When

2-4:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House RM8 3HT

Admission

£5.00 per person, incl tea or coffee (must be paid in advance) Booking essential. Please call or visit Valence House reception on 020 8227 2034.

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

A woman taking a photo of a painting hung on a white gallery wall

Gallery Tours

3 March 2012

Join the Museum Curator for an in-depth look at the Museum galleries. Tours are at 10:30 & 2:00.

Suitable for

  • Any age
  • Family friendly

When

10:30am-4pm

Where

Valence House Museum, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

No need to book. Admission free. Phone 020 8227 2034, e-mail valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Valence House Museum

Friends of Valence House Tuesday Talks

13 March 2012

10 January at 2.00pm: Nursery rhymes, by Brian Billins
Tuesday 14 February at 2.00pm: 100 years of guiding, by Deirdre Marculescu
Tuesday 13 March at 2.00pm: Tales from a monastery, by Chris Cole
Tuesday 17 April at 2.00pm: Chloroform and crime, by Linda Stratmann

Suitable for

  • 16-17
  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4pm

Admission

Members free. Non - members £1.50

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

The Titanic Disaster 100 Years On

22 March 2012

Mark Watson will talk about the local connections of the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Includes Q&A.

Suitable for

  • Not suitable for children
  • 18+
  • 16-17

When

2-4pm

Admission

Entry £2, or £3.50 with sandwich and drink

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Family tree

Family History helpdesk

24 March 2012

If you are a beginner to family history, or have hit a brick wall in your research, committee members of the local branch of the East of London Family History Society are here to help.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-3:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

First come first serve basis. Closed for lunch 12:45–1:15. Tel: 020 8227 2033, e-mail: localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Swap Shop

24 March 2012

A chance to pick up something you need or get rid of something you don’t all for free. Swap your unwanted items. Children’s activities prizes and other stalls.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-4pm

Admission

FREE. Call 0208 724 1002 for more information.

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Image of people using the library's computer resources

Introduction to the Ancestry website

30 March 2012

Ancestry Library Edition can be used free of charge in the Archives & Local Studies Centre. This session includes a demonstration of some of Ancestry’s most useful features.

If you need guidance on getting the most from Ancestry, join the Local Studies Librarian for this demonstration and workshop. It is not a course but a single session, repeated. Limited to 6 people.

Some experience of family history and internet is necessary.

Suitable for

  • Not suitable for children
  • 18+

When

2-4:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House RM8 3HT

Admission

£5.00 per person, incl tea or coffee (must be paid in advance) Booking essential. Please call or visit Valence House reception on 020 8227 2034.

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Olympic Memory Games

31 March 2012

Come along and reminisce about our sporting achievements in the borough.

Suitable for

  • Any age
  • Family friendly

When

10am-4pm

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

A woman taking a photo of a painting hung on a white gallery wall

Gallery Tours

7 April 2012

Join the Museum Curator for an in-depth look at the Museum galleries. Tours are at 10:30 & 2:00.

Suitable for

  • Any age
  • Family friendly

When

10:30am-4pm

Where

Valence House Museum, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

No need to book. Admission free. Phone 020 8227 2034, e-mail valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Valence House Museum

Victorian Week Interactive show at Valence House

10 April 2012

Disgusting, exhausting, Dangerous… maybe? But someone has to do it.
Interactive show covering a variety of unpleasant Victorian jobs. Mr Jack Black is the official rat catcher for Queen Victoria. He has recently gone up in the world and is now on the look out for new apprentices. From the stinking pure collector to the stifling Chimney Sweep, he has a selection of horrible jobs on offer, in fact some of the worst jobs in history.

Dare to find out! Suitable for Children 7 and over, and adults

Suitable for

  • 7-10
  • 11-13
  • 14-15
  • Family friendly

When

2-4pm

Where

Valence House Visitor centre Becontree avenue Dagenham RM8 3HT

Admission

£1.50 per child. Must be booked in advance. Please call 020 8227 2034.

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Victorian Week: Make Victorian cardboard marionettes

11 April 2012

Childrens craft session.

Suitable for

  • 5-6
  • 7-10
  • 11-13
  • 14-15
  • Especially for children

When

2-4pm

Admission

£2.00 charge for materials

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Victorian Week: Death and Epidemics in Victorian Barking

12 April 2012

Talk by Mark Watso: Death and Epidemics in Victorian Barking. With Q&A.

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4:30pm

Admission

£2.00 or £3.50 with sandwich and drink

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Victorian Week Interactive show at Valence House

13 April 2012

Disgusting, exhausting, Dangerous… maybe? But someone has to do it.
Interactive show covering a variety of unpleasant Victorian jobs. Mr Jack Black is the official rat catcher for Queen Victoria. He has recently gone up in the world and is now on the look out for new apprentices. From the stinking pure collector to the stifling Chimney Sweep, he has a selection of horrible jobs on offer, in fact some of the worst jobs in history.

Dare to find out! Suitable for Children 7 and over, and adults

Suitable for

  • 7-10
  • 11-13
  • 14-15
  • Family friendly

When

2-4pm

Where

Valence House Visitor centre Becontree avenue Dagenham RM8 3HT

Admission

£1.50 per child. Must be booked in advance. Please call 020 8227 2034.

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Victorian Week: Walk in the Footsteps of PC George Clark

13 April 2012

Historical walk and talk with Local historian Linda Rhodes.

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

6:30-8:30pm

Where

Millenium Centre Eastbrookend Country Park

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Victorian Week: Scandals at Sea

14 April 2012

A talk by Linda Rhodes: Scandals at sea - sad tales of Barking's Victorian fishing apprentices. With Q&A.

Suitable for

  • 16-17
  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4pm

Where

Visitor centre at Valence House

Admission

£2,00 or £3.50 with sandwich and drink

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Friends of Valence House Tuesday Talks

17 April 2012

10 January at 2.00pm: Nursery rhymes, by Brian Billins
Tuesday 14 February at 2.00pm: 100 years of guiding, by Deirdre Marculescu
Tuesday 13 March at 2.00pm: Tales from a monastery, by Chris Cole
Tuesday 17 April at 2.00pm: Chloroform and crime, by Linda Stratmann

Suitable for

  • 16-17
  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4pm

Admission

Members free. Non - members £1.50

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Image of people using the library's computer resources

Introduction to the Ancestry website

18 April 2012

Ancestry Library Edition can be used free of charge in the Archives & Local Studies Centre. This session includes a demonstration of some of Ancestry’s most useful features.

If you need guidance on getting the most from Ancestry, join the Local Studies Librarian for this demonstration and workshop. It is not a course but a single session, repeated. Limited to 6 people.

Some experience of family history and internet is necessary.

Suitable for

  • Not suitable for children
  • 18+

When

2-4:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House RM8 3HT

Admission

£5.00 per person, incl tea or coffee (must be paid in advance) Booking essential. Please call or visit Valence House reception on 020 8227 2034.

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Family tree

Family History helpdesk

28 April 2012

If you are a beginner to family history, or have hit a brick wall in your research, committee members of the local branch of the East of London Family History Society are here to help.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-3:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

First come first serve basis. Closed for lunch 12:45–1:15. Tel: 020 8227 2033, e-mail: localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Friends of Valence House Book sales

28 April 2012

Bag yourself a bargain at these popular sales. Books and bric a brac.

When

10am-3pm

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Talk about Family History Sources for Barking & Dagenham

11 May 2012

Talk about Family History Sources for Barking & Dagenham. Local historian and archivist talk with Q&A.

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • Not suitable for children

When

2-4pm

Where

Valence House Becontree Avenue Dagenham RM8 3HT

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Family tree

Family History helpdesk

26 May 2012

If you are a beginner to family history, or have hit a brick wall in your research, committee members of the local branch of the East of London Family History Society are here to help.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-3:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

First come first serve basis. Closed for lunch 12:45–1:15. Tel: 020 8227 2033, e-mail: localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Valence House Museum

Londons Open Gardens Squares

9 June 2012

Explore our dig for victory garden, discover the medicinal and healing herbs and vegetables. Buy some plants and listen to talks about Tudor Gardens.

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • 16-17

When

10am-4pm

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Family tree

Family History helpdesk

23 June 2012

If you are a beginner to family history, or have hit a brick wall in your research, committee members of the local branch of the East of London Family History Society are here to help.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-3:45pm

Where

Archives & Local Studies Centre, Valence House, Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Admission

First come first serve basis. Closed for lunch 12:45–1:15. Tel: 020 8227 2033, e-mail: localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/home.aspx

Valence House Museum

London Open House

22 September 2012

Valence House will be open for the weekend.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-4pm

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum

London Open House

23 September 2012

Valence House will be open for the weekend.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-4pm

Admission

Free

Website

http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/ValenceHouseMuseum/Pages/Home.aspx

Valence House Museum
Becontree Avenue
Dagenham
Essex
RM8 3HT
England

Website

Main LBBD Heritage web page

www.lbbd.gov.uk/heritage

E-mail

Museum

valencehousemuseum@lbbd.gov.uk

Archives & Local Studies Centre

localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk

Telephone

Information

020 8227 2034

Curator

020 8227 5222

Archives & Local Studies Centre

020 8227 2033

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
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