Gravesend facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gravesend
Town
New Road, Gravesend, in 2009
Kent coat of arms
Gravesend
Population	58,102
OS grid reference	TQ647740
District	Gravesham
Shire county	Kent
Region	South East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	GRAVESEND
Postcode district	DA11, DA12
Dialling code	01474
Police	Kent
Fire	Kent
Ambulance	South East Coast
EU Parliament	South East England
UK Parliament	Gravesham
List of places UK England Kent 51°26′29″N 0°22′07″E / 51.4415°N 0.3685°E / 51.4415; 0.3685

Gravesend is a town in northwest Kent, England. It is about 21 miles (35 km) east of central London. The town sits on the south bank of the River Thames, right across from Tilbury in Essex. Gravesend is the main town of the Gravesham area. In 2021, about 58,102 people lived there.

Gravesend has always been important because of its location on the River Thames. It has a rich history linked to ships and communication. Today, it's a town where many people live and travel to London for work. It still has strong ties to the River Thames, especially with the Port of London Authority Pilot Station. The town has also seen new life since the High Speed 1 train service started.

What's in a Name? Gravesend's History

Gravesend Town Hall

The name Gravesend has a long history. In a very old book from 1086 called the Domesday Book, it was written as "Gravesham." This name might come from "graaf-ham," meaning the home of a local official or bailiff.

Another idea is that "Gravesham" could mean "a place at the end of the grove." Some also think it comes from the Saxon word "Gerevesend," meaning the end of the area managed by a chief town administrator.

There's even a place in the Netherlands called 's-Gravenzande, which means "Sand belonging to the Count." Some believe the Gravesend in Brooklyn, New York, was named after this Dutch town. However, it was founded by an English woman, Lady Deborah Moody, in 1645. This suggests it might have been named after Gravesend, England, instead.

Gravesend Through Time: A Look at its History

People have found Stone Age tools and signs of an Iron Age settlement here. There are also many Roman remains nearby. The Domesday Book from 1086 mentions mills, landing places, and fisheries in Gravesend.

Milton Chantry, built around 1320

The oldest building still standing in Gravesend is Milton Chantry. It was built in the early 1300s. It used to be a hospital for people with leprosy, started in 1189.

Gravesend has one of the oldest markets in the country. It received its first official permission to hold a market in 1268. The town was given its official status by King Henry III that same year. The first mayor of Gravesend was chosen in 1268. The current Gravesend Town Hall was finished in 1764. Today, it's used for weddings and other events.

During the Hundred Years' War, a Spanish fleet attacked Gravesend in 1380.

In 1401, the town was given permission to run boats between London and Gravesend. These boats were called the "Long Ferry." This was a popular way to travel because road journeys were dangerous.

Pocahontas statue outside
St George's Church, Gravesend

In 1617, Pocahontas, a famous Native American woman, became ill and died in Gravesend. She was on a ship heading back to America. Her funeral was held at St George's Church, Gravesend. Her exact burial spot is unknown because the church was destroyed by fire in 1727. Pocahontas is a very important person in both American and British history. She even inspired a popular Disney movie!

Interior of New Tavern Fort

At Fort Gardens, you can find the New Tavern Fort. It was built in the 1780s and later rebuilt by Major-General Charles Gordon. Today, it's a heritage center where you can learn about local history.

Traveling by road to Gravesend used to be risky. The main road from London to Dover went through Blackheath, which was known for highwaymen (robbers). Stagecoaches used Gravesend as a stop to pick up passengers and change horses.

From 1932 to 1956, there was an airport east of the town. During World War II, it became a fighter plane base called RAF Gravesend. Because of this, Gravesend was heavily bombed by German planes. After the war, a large housing area called Riverview Park was built on the airport site.

How Gravesend is Governed

Gravesend is the main town of the Gravesham area. This area was created in 1974 by joining Gravesend, Northfleet, and some nearby villages.

Gravesend's Location and Growth

Gravesend is located where higher land meets the River Thames. This made it a good place for boats to land. The town was also protected by a tall hill called Windmill Hill.

Over time, Gravesend grew south and east. Wealthier people from London started visiting the town in the summer. They came by boat and later by train. More houses were built after World War I and even more after World War II.

Some of Gravesend's built-up areas include Painters Ash, King's Farm, and Christianfields. Riverview Park, built on the old RAF airfield, is in the southeast.

Weather in Gravesend

Gravesend has a climate similar to much of southern England. It's known for sometimes having very high temperatures. For example, on August 10, 2003, Gravesend recorded one of the highest temperatures ever in the UK, reaching 38.1°C.

Because it's inland and close to Europe, Gravesend often has less cloud, less rain, and is hotter in summer and colder in winter than coastal areas. It often records some of the highest temperatures in the country during summer.

People of Gravesend

Since 1990, Gravesham's economy has changed. It used to rely on heavy industry, but now it's more about services. The area has a lot of people living in a small space. Many people are under 30 years old.

The 2021 census showed that the largest religious group is Christians (49%). People with no religion make up 32.1%, and Sikhs are the third largest group at 8%.

Shopping in Gravesend

High Street, Gravesend in 2008

Gravesend is a town for shopping and for people who travel to work. It has local shops, including the St Georges shopping complex and the Thamesgate shopping centre. There is also a regular farmers' market. Gravesend's market hall has been around since 1268.

Famous Places and Landmarks

Gravesend Town Pier: A Historic Structure

Town Pier Gravesend

Gravesend has the world's oldest surviving cast iron pier, built in 1834. It was the first to use iron cylinders in its construction. The pier was updated in 2004 and now has a bar and restaurant. You can walk to the end of the pier when it's open.

A new pontoon was added in 2012. This allows small and medium boats to land at Gravesend. The Gravesend–Tilbury Ferry now uses this pier.

Royal Terrace Pier: A Royal Connection

A view of Royal Terrace Pier and London River House Gravesend

Built in 1844, this pier cost £9,200. Princess Alexandra of Denmark arrived here in 1865 on her way to marry Edward, Prince of Wales. River pilots have also been based here for a long time.

Today, Royal Terrace Pier is very busy. It's part of the Port of London Authority's main operations center. It's also home to the Gravesend Lifeboat Station, one of four lifeboat stations on the River Thames. Because it's so busy, you can only visit it at certain times of the year.

Gravesend Clock Tower: A Victorian Tribute

The Clock Tower located at the top of Harmer Street, Gravesend, Kent

This clock tower is at the corner of Milton Road and Harmer Street. Its first stone was laid on September 6, 1887. The tower was built by public donations to celebrate Queen Victoria's 50th year as queen. It looks a bit like the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in London. The clock face is 15 meters (50 feet) above the ground.

Pocahontas Statue: A Special Memorial

Statue of Pocahontas by St George's Church, Gravesend, Kent

An American artist named William Ordway Partridge made a life-size statue of Pocahontas. It was first shown in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1922. A copy of this statue was placed at St George's Church, Gravesend, in 1958. The Governor of Virginia gave it as a gift to the British people.

In 2017, the US Ambassador visited the statue. He placed 21 roses at its base, one for each year of Pocahontas' life. This marked 400 years since her death and burial in Gravesend.

Windmill Hill: Views and History

Windmill Hill is named after the windmills that used to be there. It offers amazing views across the Thames. Victorian visitors loved this spot because of its camera obscura (a device that projects an image) and tea gardens.

In 1377, King Richard II had a beacon (a signal fire) placed on the hill. It was still used 200 years later during the time of the Spanish Armada. The last windmill on the hill was destroyed by fire in 1900.

During World War I, a German airship flew over Windmill Hill and dropped bombs. Today, three markers show where these bombs landed.

Gravesend and the River Thames: A Deep Connection

MV Armia Krajowa, a Panamax vessel, being docked by Gravesend tugboats to discharge coal at Tilbury

The River Thames has always been very important to Gravesend. In the late 1300s, Gravesend was given the special right to carry passengers to and from London by water. The "Tilt Boat" was a common sight, protecting passengers with a canvas cover.

In the early 1800s, the first steamboat started running between Gravesend and London. This brought more and more visitors to the town. Gravesend quickly became one of England's first "resort towns" and grew thanks to early tourism.

Many Gravesend "watermen" (boat operators) came from families who had worked on the river for generations. The Port of London Authority's main control center is in Gravesend. It provides maritime pilots who help guide ships safely on the Thames.

Gravesend has one of England's oldest boat races, called a regatta. Its origins are unknown, but it dates back to Tudor times. The races use special boats called Gravesend skiffs.

St Andrew's Art Centre & Gallery sits between Bawley Bay and Anchor Cove, both being the embarkation points for British colonists sailing to New Zealand and Australia in the early 19th century.

Before Tilbury Docks were built across the river (1882-1886), Gravesend was the first port where ships entered the Thames. Thousands of people leaving England, and many soldiers, started their journeys from here.

Today, cruises operate up the river to Greenwich. The passenger ferry to Tilbury still provides a way to cross the river to Essex. Before the Dartford Crossing was built, there was also a vehicle ferry at Gravesend.

The RNLI lifeboat station at Royal Terrace Pier is one of the busiest in the country.

Thames and Medway Canal: A Waterway's Story

Gravesend Canal Basin

The Thames and Medway Canal opened for barges in 1824. It ran from Gravesend to Frindsbury. It was seven miles long and had only two locks. Its most famous part was a long tunnel near Strood, which was the second longest canal tunnel ever built in the UK. However, the tunnel was very expensive, so the canal wasn't a big business success.

After only 20 years, most of the canal closed. The canal's tunnel was then used for a railway. Today, Gravesend Canal Basin is used for pleasure boats. The Gravesend Sailing Club is based here.

Getting Around Gravesend: Transport

Roads

The main roads through Gravesend are the A226, which goes from Dartford to Rochester, and the A227, which goes to Tonbridge. The A2 road passes about two miles south of the town center.

In 2006, the first of the new Fastrack bus services started. These buses use special 'bus tracks' and regular roads. They connect Gravesend to places like Ebbsfleet International railway station, Greenhithe, Bluewater Shopping Centre, and Dartford.

Rail

Gravesend's Victorian railway station modernised for HS1 in 2014

Gravesend railway station opened in 1849. It's on the North Kent Line. Another line, the Gravesend West Line, used to connect to a continental ferry, but it closed in 1968.

Gravesend is a key station for high-speed and local train services in north Kent. Since 2009, high-speed trains from London St Pancras and Stratford International have connected Gravesend to towns like Medway, Sittingbourne, and Ramsgate. There are also local trains to London Charing Cross, Waterloo East, and London Bridge.

Gravesend station has a Platform 0, which is unusual. It's used for trains ending their journey from London Cannon Street or London Charing Cross.

Buses

Several Arriva Kent Thameside bus services connect Gravesend to other areas in Kent, such as Dartford, Bluewater, and Sevenoaks. Fastrack buses also link the town to Bluewater, Darent Valley Hospital, and Dartford.

Ferry

The ferry from Tilbury coming alongside at Gravesend

Passenger ferry services to Tilbury, Essex, used to run daily from Gravesend Town Pier until March 31, 2024.

Footpaths: Exploring on Foot

The Saxon Shore Way, a long walking path, starts in Gravesend. It follows the coast as it was in Roman times all the way to Hastings, covering 163 miles (262 km). The Wealdway also starts at the Town Pier. It goes south over the Weald to Eastbourne, a distance of 80 miles (128 km).

Places of Worship

The main Anglican church in Gravesend is St George's Church. This beautiful Georgian building is a popular spot for visitors because of its connection to Princess Pocahontas. Gravesend also has other Church of England churches, as well as Roman Catholic, Methodist, United Reformed, and Baptist churches.

Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend

Gravesend has a large Sikh community, with over 15,000 Sikhs living in the town. One of the United Kingdom's largest Sikh temples opened in Gravesend in 2010. It cost £12 million to build.

Schools in Gravesend

Gravesend has several secondary schools, including:

• Gravesend Grammar School
• Northfleet School for Girls
• Northfleet Technology College
• Mayfield Grammar School
• St John's Catholic Comprehensive School
• Thamesview School
• St George's Church of England School

There are also primary schools like Whitehill Primary School, special schools, and private schools such as Bronte School.

Sports in Gravesend

Football

The Stonebridge Road football ground in nearby Northfleet is home to Ebbsfleet United F.C.. This team used to be called Gravesend and Northfleet F.C. Ebbsfleet plays in the National League. They won the FA Trophy in May 2008.

Cricket

Gravesend Cricket Club was formed in 1881. It plays at the Bat and Ball Ground on Wrotham Road. Cricket has been played there since the mid-1800s.

Rugby Union

Gravesend has two rugby union teams: Gravesend Rugby Football Club and Old Gravesendians RFC. They are located next to each other, across from the Gravesend Grammar School.

Old Gravesendians RFC was started in 1929. It was traditionally made up of former Gravesend Grammar School students. The team colors are light blue and dark blue.

Rowing

Rowing races have been held on the River Thames at Gravesend since at least 1698. The first organized Regatta was recorded in 1715. The Gravesend Rowing Club, founded in 1878, is based here.

Cycling

South of Gravesend, on an old site called Watling Street, is Cyclopark. This is a large area for cycling events and other activities. It has mountain bike trails, a road circuit, a BMX racetrack, and family cycling paths. It opened in early 2012.

Culture and Arts

The Gravesend Historical Society meets regularly and publishes a magazine about its activities.

Charles Dickens, a famous writer, lived near Gravesend. He mentioned the town in at least three of his novels. In David Copperfield, characters say goodbye and sail from Gravesend to Australia. Gravesend also appears in Great Expectations and The Pickwick Papers.

The 1952 film "The Long Memory" starring John Mills was filmed in and around Gravesend. It shows many old streets near the river that were being redeveloped.

The War Game was a 1965 BBC television film about a nuclear war. It was filmed in Gravesend and other Kent towns. Most of the people in the film were not actors.

Famous People from Gravesend

Statue of General Gordon at Gravesend

Many interesting people have connections to Gravesend:

• Sir Edwin Arnold (1832–1904): A poet and journalist.
• Gemma Arterton (born 1986): An actress who went to Gravesend Grammar School for Girls.
• Sir Derek Barton (1918–1998): A chemist who won the Nobel Prize.
• Sir Peter Blake (born 1932): An artist who trained at Gravesend School of Art.
• Laura Coombs (born 1991): A footballer for the England team.
• Charles Dickens: The famous author who lived nearby and wrote about Gravesend.
• Major-General Charles Gordon (1833–1885): Lived in Gravesend and helped build forts along the Thames. He also helped poor boys in the town.
• Paul Greengrass (born 1955): A film director who went to Gravesend Grammar School for Boys.
• Thom Gunn (1929–2004): An Anglo-American poet born in Gravesend.
• Pocahontas (1595–1617): The Native American princess who died and was buried in Gravesend.
• Harry Reid (born 1992): An actor from Gravesend, known for his role in EastEnders.
• Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908): A Russian composer who wrote part of his first symphony while in Gravesend.
• Chris Simmons (born 1975): A TV and stage actor from Gravesend.
• Marc Guehi (born 2000): An English professional footballer for Crystal Palace F.C., educated in Gravesend.
• Fikayo Tomori (born 1997): An English professional footballer for AC Milan, educated at Gravesend Grammar School.

Twin Towns

Gravesend is twinned with:

• Cambrai, France
• Chesterfield, Virginia, United States
• Neumünster, Germany
• Brunswick, Victoria, Australia

See also

In Spanish: Gravesend para niños