The abbey at Barking was used as residence by William the Conqueror while the Tower of London was built. Its remains may still be seen near the old town quay. Barking had the largest fishing fleet in the world, the town thriving on its trade. As railways transported fish to London direct from east coast ports, this trade declined, but Barking`s riverside encouraged heavy industry. The town`s population increased enormously when the LCC built the massive Becontree estate to house London families from the East End.