BARKING, market town, Essex, England, on the river Bod ing near its junction with the Thames, 8m. E. of London on L.M.S.R. and Metropolitan District. Pop. of urban district of Barking town (1891) 14,301; (190I) 51,277. Bark ing was celebrated for its nunnery, one of the oldest and richest in England, founded about 67o by Erkenwald, bishop of London, and restored in 97o by King Edgar, about zoo years after its destruction by the Danes. The ancient market-house has now been destroyed. Barking is a suffragan bishopric in the diocese of St. Albans and its church of S. Margaret's is Norman with perpendicular additions. The Gaslight and Coke Company's works at Beckton are in the parish, also extensive rubber works. There are also chemical works, and some shipping trade, principally in timber.