Beckton is six miles east of the City of London, north of the Thames and at the far end of what used to be London's Docklands. The population has grown rapidly over the last few years, from 5,500 in the 1991 census to a current population of around 20,000.

Communication links are excellent: Beckton is close to the A406 and A13 north-south and east-west routes, several bus routes pass through Beckton, it is served by five Docklands Light Railway stations, and London City Airport is only a mile away.

The local housing is nearly all less than 25 years old, both social and owner-occupied, these often being mixed together. It is a young community in other ways as well, reflecting the fact that over 60% of Newham residents are 35 years of age or under.

Beckton is in the London Borough of Newham. Click here for more more information on the area.... or for here for a history of The Royal Docks. 

The area has four primary schools and a secondary school. There are also a sheltered housing schemes for the elderly and adults with learning difficulties, as well as a privately run secure psychiatric home. All these have had links with St. Mark's.

At the centre of Beckton is an Asda supermarket, with a nearby retail park. There are two more retail parks only a mile away with a wide variety of shops, including well-known names such as Sainsbury, Tesco and Boots.

Entertainment facilities, including a 14-screen cinema complex, a bowling alley and restaurants are within easy reach. The Royal Docks provide access to water-sports facilities and the area is rich in parks and other green spaces.

The University of East London has a purpose-built campus with student accommodation nearby, which is continuing to expand