Eastbury Manor House

PRS Architects were appointed in early 2024 to complete a Masterplan for the Grade I listed National Trust Eastbury Manor House in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The focus of our study was consider updating the existing Conservation Management Plan with a focus on developing an understanding of the significance of the manor house within its immediate and larger landscape setting with a view to improving issues relating to access, learning, interpretation and operational aspects.

Eastbury Manor is a remarkable Elizabethan mansion built by merchant Clement Sisley as a fashionable ‘Hall’ which included some of the latest landscaped horticultural husbandry and technology of its time. Sitting on the banks of the Thames East of London it was a significant estate that fell into increasing dilapidation from the late 18th century and by the late 19th century only the west wing of the house was habitable. In 1918 the house was bought by the National Trust and in 1931 opened as the Museum of Barking. The house has been relatively recently been exquisitely restored including the east walled garden. The property however remains within the substantial 1920’s ‘homes fit for heroes’ estate built after World War 1 so continues to be difficult to find and understand within its context.

Our study identified ways of enhancing the overall approach and improving level access across the existing landscape. We were also able to ensure a more restorative approach to future tree maintenance and planting could be agreed that would enhance the manor’s overall setting as well as consider ways of allowing for the south side to be utilised along with improved orientation and interpretation within the wider suburban context of the area and the River Thames.