An area of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. In 1921 the London County Council began construction of the large Becontree estate. The population of the area significantly increased during the 20th century, with the parish of Dagenham becoming an urban district in 1926 and a municipal borough in 1938. It has formed part of Greater London since 1965 and is a predominantly residential area, The Ford Motor Company became based here from 1931.