Church Hall/Old School Building
This little hall has an interesting history. It was built in 1835 as the first school in Dagenham - 'The Old National School' (or DONS) - by the vicar, Mr.Fanshaw.
However the vicar didn't get on with the local farmer - Mr William Ford. He decided he'd do better than the vicar and put down £10,000 - which was a huge sum in those days - to build his own school in 1842.
Of course, everyone went to his school, and the vicar's school became the church call - often called 'The Minor Hall' (because there is another one that is bigger).
William Ford School is still around today. In Ofsted inspections they keep getting graded 'Outstanding' - their top grading which is very rarely given to schools.
The hall was built by Mr Fanshaw next to the church, and once had a thatched roof that caught fire!
You can see how we've made it 'new' again if you look at the slide show.