New Eltham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Eltham |
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 Typical 1930s New Eltham housing in Thaxted Road |
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 New Eltham
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| OS grid reference | TQ440730 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LONDON |
| Postcode district | SE9 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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New Eltham is a lively suburban area in South East London, England. It's mostly found in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, but some parts are also in the London Borough of Bexley. You can find New Eltham south east of Eltham and north west of Sidcup. It's a great place with lots of homes and green spaces.
Contents
A Look Back: New Eltham's History
New Eltham started out as farmland. It grew into a residential area around a small village called Pope Street. This village was centered where Avery Hill Road is today. For example, Wyborne School on Footscray Road still has a sign. It clearly says "Pope Street" School, showing its older name from 1904.
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The New Eltham railway station first opened in April 1878. Back then, it was called Pope Street Station. It got its new name, New Eltham, in 1886. However, "Pope Street" was still used with the name until 1927. In 1974, the bridge over the railway line at Avery Hill Road was made wider. This allowed buses to cross it easily. Before that, it was a narrow iron bridge. It only had a small path on one side for people walking.
Many of the houses in New Eltham were built in the 1930s. The Beehive public house was rebuilt in 1897. A local library was also built in 1931.
During the Cold War, a special building was put up in 1954. It was a rectangular, windowless blockhouse behind the New Eltham library. This building was an emergency control center. It helped with civil defence plans for the area.
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Years ago, New Eltham had many different local shops. There were butchers, greengrocers, and grocery stores. You could also find toy shops, shoe repairers, and barbers. There was even a radio and TV repair shop. The large Co-op supermarket used to be several smaller Co-op shops. These included a greengrocer, a chemist, and a butcher.
Fun and Games: Sport and Recreation
New Eltham is home to many sports and fun activities. If you love football, Charlton Athletic has a training ground here. It is located down Sparrows Lane. Other local football teams include Newpark F.C. and another New Eltham team.
Footscray RUFC is a rugby club on Footscray Road. They have teams for men, ladies, and even mini-rugby for younger players. RACS Cricket Club also plays in the area.
If running is your thing, you can join the New Eltham Joggers running club. A part of the South East London Green Chain walk also goes through New Eltham. This is a great way to explore nature.
For those who enjoy performing, the New Eltham Operatic Society is active here. They are part of a national group for theatre. Dance classes are also held above the Co-op store.
Local Spots: Amenities
Near the railway station, you'll find several useful places. There's the local library and the Co-operative food store. A group of small shops and the Post Office are also nearby. For bigger chain stores, you can visit the high streets in nearby Eltham and Sidcup. The local public house was updated in 2009.
Places Nearby
New Eltham shares its borders with several other areas. To the north and north east is Avery Hill. Sidcup is to the east and south east. You'll find Chislehurst to the south and Mottingham to the west. Finally, Eltham is to the north west.
Getting Around: Transport
New Eltham station is the main train station for the area. It offers services to Central London and Gravesend. New Eltham also has several Transport for London bus services. These buses connect the area to many places. You can travel to Beckenham, Bexleyheath, Bromley, Catford, Chislehurst, Eltham, Lewisham, New Addington, New Cross, Sidcup, and Swanley.
