Welling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Welling |
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 Welling
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| Population | 41,000 |
| OS grid reference | TQ465755 |
| • Charing Cross | 10.5 mi (16.9 km) WNW |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WELLING |
| Postcode district | DA16 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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Welling is a town located in South East London, England. It's part of the London Borough of Bexley. Welling is about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) west of Bexleyheath and 16.9 kilometers (10.5 miles) from Charing Cross in central London. Before 1965, Welling was part of Kent county.
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What's in a Name?
There's a fun local story about how Welling got its name! People used to say that when you reached Welling, you were "well in" to Kent. Or maybe it was the "well end" of a tough journey up and down Shooters Hill. This hill was steep and often had robbers hiding in the woods.
However, historians now think the name probably comes from 'Welwyn'. This old word means 'place of the spring'. There's an underground spring right at Welling Corner. Another idea is that it's named after the Willing family, who lived here in the 1300s. In an old map from 1675, the town was called 'Wellen'.
Discover Welling's Past
How Old is Welling?
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The East Wickham part of Welling is very old. In 1910, a stone axe from the Stone Age was found here. Also, parts of Roman buildings were discovered near Danson in 1989.
Before the Bexleyheath Line railway opened in 1895, Welling was a small village. It was a popular stop for coaches traveling from London into Kent on the main road (Watling Street). That's why there were three inns (like hotels) along the road!
Welling in the 1900s
After World War I, the local council built over 400 new homes north of the railway. Later, more land was sold for building, and Welling grew. It joined with nearby areas like St Michael's East Wickham.
In 1965, Welling became part of Greater London. Before that, it was part of Kent.
A group of local people started the East Wickham & Welling War Memorial Trust in 1992. This group helps local charities and young people. They built a new War Memorial in 1996 to remember those who died in World War One.
Welling Today: The 21st Century
In 2005, the streets of Welling got a big makeover. New paving and streetlights were added. A large bingo hall, which used to be an Odeon cinema, closed down. Now, it's a church called Freedom Centre International.
Learning in Welling
Welling has several schools for different age groups.
Secondary Schools in Welling
- Bexley Grammar School
- Harris Academy Falconwood
- Welling School
Primary Schools in Welling
- Bishop Ridley CofE Primary School
- Danson Primary School
- East Wickham Primary Academy
- Eastcote Primary School
- Fosters Primary School
- Hillsgrove Primary School
- Hook Lane Primary School
- St Michael's East Wickham CoE Primary School
- St Stephen's Catholic Primary School
- Aspire Academy Bexley
Welling's Culture and Landmarks
Local Hangouts
The "Old Koffi Pot" café has been around since the 1930s. It was once called 'Ferrara's' and was famous for its ice cream. In the 1960s, young people would stop there before or after dancing at the Embassy Ballroom. The original "Old Koffi Pot" closed, but a new coffee shop with a similar name, "The Koffi Shop," is there now.
Famous Landmarks to See
You can see a large Russian cannon at Welling Corner. This cannon was used during the Crimean War (1854-1860). It's on loan from the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich. It reminds us of Welling's connection to the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, where weapons were made.
The old Foster's School building on Upper Wickham Lane is another landmark. The school moved, and the old building is now homes.
The 12th-century St Michael's, East Wickham church is very old. It's now used by a Greek Orthodox group. A newer St Michael's church was built next door in 1933. Another church, St Mary's Church, Welling, was built in 1955.
Getting Around Welling
Rail Connections
Welling station offers train services to many places. You can travel to London Victoria, London Charing Cross, and London Cannon Street. Trains also go to Slade Green, Dartford, and Gravesend.
Bus Routes
Welling is well-connected by London Buses. Routes like 51, 89, 96, 486, B15, B16, and N89 serve the area. These buses connect Welling to places such as Bexleyheath, Eltham, Woolwich, and Dartford.
Sports and Fun
Welling is home to two local football clubs: Welling United F.C. and Erith & Belvedere F.C.. Both teams play their games at the Park View Road ground.
Famous Faces from Welling
Many interesting people have connections to Welling:
- Kate Bush (born 1958) – A famous singer and songwriter who grew up nearby.
- Ernest Greenwood (1913–2009) – An artist and teacher, who was born in Welling.
- Steve Hillier (born 1969) – A musician, DJ, and record producer.
- Bill Peyto (1869–1943) – A pioneering Canadian mountain guide, born in Welling.
- Tom Raworth (1938–2017) – A poet and visual artist who grew up in Welling.
- John Waller (1940–2018) – An English fight director, born in Welling.
