The pretty grounds of Barking Abbey were used as the backdrop for a photoshoot to promote the borough's historic and cultural delights.
Council leader Councillor Darren Rodwell, donned his best Earl of Grantham suit and joined others for the shot – loosely based on the Downtown Abbey film poster – in a promotional drive.
The council’s regeneration arm, Be First, is currently working on a £1.8m heritage project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to create a new landscaped entrance to the Abbey ruins. The project will also have historic buildings and shop fronts in the Barking Conservation Area being refurbished.
“Never mind about Downton Abbey, we’ve got Barking Abbey!", said Cllr Rodwell.
“In Barking and Dagenham we’ve got way more to offer, with historic gems such as the Abbey, a thriving artist community, fabulous film locations and an aspirational, egalitarian outlook.”
Peter Murray, board member at Be First, added: “Barking and Dagenham has a rich, proud past and a hugely exciting future. Few other London boroughs have helped shape the capital and again we’re leading the way on the capital’s eastward’s growth too.”
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