Becontree

Becontree, situated in the vibrant London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, covers around 4 square miles (10 km2) and offers a rich historical background. A mere 11 miles (17.7 km) east-northeast of Charing Cross, this area was developed during the interwar period to become the world's largest public housing estate. When the Housing Act 1919 granted the London County Council permission to build housing beyond the County of London, Becontree took shape between 1921 and 1935. The development followed the cottage estate principles within the parishes of Barking, Dagenham, and Ilford, which were part of Essex at the time. In 1935, Becontree's construction was officially completed, marking a significant moment as the estate had grown to accommodate approximately 100,000 residents living in 26,000 homes. Explore Becontree to discover its unique charm and historical significance.