Information On War Histories

About Gravesend

The Kentish Borough of Gravesham consists of 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in the country.

Introduction

Bordered by the River Thames in the north, the southern boundary boasts some of the most spectacular views of Kent. Gravesend and Northfleet, the towns at the heart of the Borough, have much to offer visitors, residents and businesses alike. In the early 19th century, Gravesend was a favourite tourist attraction for Londoners, with a very pleasant riverfront, which included a beach, onto the busy Thames and a number of pleasure gardens, including Windmill Hill, which offers unrivalled views of the estuary, and surrounding countryside.

Many of the rural areas are officially designated by the Countryside Commission, as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Two long-distance footpaths actually start in Gravesend, travelling through very different scenery before ending in Sussex. The Saxon Shore Way traces the ancient coastline of Kent for 140 miles to its finish in Rye, while the Wealdway covers the 82 miles to Eastbourne through some of the most spectacular scenery in south-east England.

The Borough

Gravesham is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, North West Kent, a convenient 25 miles from central London.

It comprises the towns of Gravesend, Northfleet, together with villages of Cobham, Higham, Luddesdown, Meopham, Shorne and Vigo.

The name Gravesham was given to the new Borough at the time of Local Government Re-organisation in 1974, but reflects a much earlier title, dating back at least to Anglo-Saxon times. Many fanciful explanations have been given for the origin of the names 'Gravesham' and 'Gravesend'.

Gravesham