Dagnam Park Exhibition
As many of our heritage buildings and parkland disappear and become forgotten, the Dagnam Park Exhibition currently at the Museum, brings back to life the story of Dagnam Park and the history of the people who lived there. The Manor is thought to date back to the early 13th Century.
The Friends of Dagnam Park are displaying their archaeological finds from digs which have taken place in the grounds over the years and the Dagnam’s stable bell, which dates back to 1847. Within the Exhibition the story of the house and the Neave family will be shared.
For over 14 years the Friends have been working tirelessly to bring the park to the point where they have been entered into the annual London in Bloom competition and have been recipients of both Gold and Silver awards in the “Large Parks” and “Conservation” criteria’s in the last four years.
Don Tait, of the Friends, said: “This Exhibition, that runs until the 27th October, and conservation of the parkland would not be possible without the dedicated band of volunteers who, work in conjunction with Havering Council’s Park Department.”
If anyone is interested in joining the Friend’s of Dagnam Park details on how to do so can be found on their website at www.friendsofdagnampark.org.uk
I am interested in the history of my father’s family. My father, Thomas Wallace Morse, immigrated to the United States when he was 5 years old. On his birth certificate (12 June 1906), George Edward Morse is listed as his father. George Edward Morse’s occupation was listed as a coachman whose residence was Dagnam Park Stable. Do you have any records of this family which you are able to share?
Due to limited storage space, the Havering Museum holds very little of the archive material for the area, this is all stored by the Local Studies Library based in Romford Central Library so this may be the best place to find information for your research. If you contact them, they are one that will most likely have any information you are looking for.
London Borough of Havering Libraries Local Studies
MONDAY 10-1 & 2-4
TUESDAY 9-1
WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY 1-4 & 5-8
FRIDAY 9-12 & 1-4
2nd SATURDAY of month 10-1 & 2-4
Contact details Telephone – 01708 432392
e-mail – LocalStudies@havering.gov.uk
A range of books and journals are available for browsing. Search their catalogue at https://arena.yourlondonlibrary.net/web/havering/100 Appointments are usually required for items in storage, please contact them to discuss your requirements in advance. An appointment to use microfilm, microfiche & PCs in Local Studies is advised.
If you’ve not already been in touch with them, the Essex Records Office may also have additional information, their website is http://essexrecordoffice.co.uk/