Eastbury Manor House, Barking, Greater London
Eastbury Manor House was built by Clement Sysley around the 1570s, on land that formerly belonged to Barking Abbey. It was originally in an isolated position, on rising ground with views of the Thames across marshland to the south. The exterior still looks much as it did when first built. It was the country house of gentry families for the earlier part of its history. By the 18th and 19th centuries Eastbury was home to a succession of tenants such as yeoman farmers, butchers and graziers. They fattened cattle on the rich marshland pasture before selling them in the London markets. The house gradually fell into decay. One of its two octagonal stair turrets was pulled down in the early 19th century. One room was even used as a stable. It was in danger of demolition until 1918 when it was bought by the National Trust. From 1935 to 1941 it was the local museum for Barking. In 2012 it is still owned by the National Trust and managed by the Borough of Barking and Dagenham as part of the Borough’s Heritage Services.
