Peeking out from the London Borough of Newham, North Woolwich awaits. It sits on the River Thames’ northern bank facing Woolwich. Let’s uncover some tales of this intriguing place.
North Woolwich’s story is deeply rooted in its location. Though geographically north of the Thames, it was historically part of Kent. This oddity traces back to William the Conqueror. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, William rewarded Hamo. Hamo was his steward and Sheriff of Kent. Hamo gained land on both sides of the river, so he could tax the Woolwich ferry more effectively. This gave him political and military advantages.
Interestingly, North Woolwich gets its name from the North Woolwich railway station. The station opened in 1847. Before that, people called the area “Woolwich in Essex” or “Kent in Essex.” The station closed in 2006.
Administratively, North Woolwich has seen many changes. It began as part of the Manor of Ham in Essex. Later, it became part of the parish of Woolwich. In 1889, it joined the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich. Then it became part of the County of London. In 1965, North Woolwich became part of the London Borough of Newham. This joined it with East Ham and West Ham. The administrative connection to Woolwich ended.
Urban development in North Woolwich has been varied. Medieval floods destroyed an early hamlet. The area remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Later, industries thrived here. These included W. T. Henley’s cable works and Western Electric. Harland & Wolff also had a shipbuilding and repair shop. Local children from Storey Street school would watch ship launches.
The population of North Woolwich peaked before World War I. It declined during World War II due to heavy bombing. Recently, North Woolwich has undergone major redevelopment. This is part of a wider urban regeneration project across the Royal Docks. The old railway station is now a housing development. New homes have also been built at Woolwich Reach and Stories Wharf.
North Woolwich has unique geography. It includes two separate tracts of riverside land. The smaller part is near North Woolwich station. The larger part extends east from the Royal Victoria Gardens. Local definitions of the area can be nuanced. Some parts of East Ham are considered part of North Woolwich. The area north of the docks is often seen as part of Beckton.
King George V DLR station is North Woolwich’s main transport hub. It provides direct links to the City, Canary Wharf, Stratford, and Woolwich. The Docklands Light Railway extension opened in 2005. The extension to Woolwich Arsenal opened in 2009.
North Woolwich has two old station buildings. The closed North London Line station sits next to an earlier station. The earlier station housed the Old Station Museum. The museum showcased the history of the Great Eastern and London and North Eastern railways. It closed in 2008.
The Woolwich Free Ferry connects North Woolwich to Woolwich. The Woolwich foot tunnel also provides a link.
Don’t miss the Thames Barrier Park in North Woolwich. Designed by Peter Latz, it features green spaces, a water feature, and walkways. These walkways offer stunning views of the River Thames.
North Woolwich Old Station Museum offered insights into the area’s past. It displayed exhibits on the railway, dockyard, and local community. The museum hosted events and activities throughout the year.
Today, North Woolwich blends its industrial history with modern developments. It is a place of constant change, from the Norman Conquest to ongoing urban regeneration. As you explore, consider the many layers of North Woolwich.