Did you know that...
Deptford is a borough in South East London, on the River Thames’ south bank. It was named after a River Ravensbourne ford. For three centuries, starting with the 16th century, this area was home to Deptford Dockyard, the first Royal Dockyards harbor. Tsar Peter the Great visited the docks that were an important shipbuilding facility back in the day. Several events such as the knighting of Sir Francis Drake and Captain James Cook’s third trip are associated with the docks. Legend has it that Sir Walter Raleigh laid down his cape for Elizabeth here.
The docks were also linked to the Marlowe case. Poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe is the most notable person associated with the area. The famous Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe was murdered in Deptford in 1593. There were several theories circling the incident until 1925 when the coroner’s report was discovered. The document stated that Marlowe was accidentally killed in self-defense.
Popular landmarks in this SE8 area include the Deptford railway station, which was built from 1836 to 1838. It is considered one of the world’s oldest suburban stations. Writer and gardener John Evelyn lived at Sayes Court in the 17th century. He did major renovation works to the house and developed the garden that is considered a notable example of garden landscaping. It attracted many visitors. Sayes Court and its surrounding area are now the site of Convoys Wharf. Stone House is one of the oldest buildings in Lewisham. It is a Grade II listed building from the 18th century. George Gibson the younger designed and built the house for himself. The Kentish Ragstone that was used to build the house dates from the Cretaceous period. In the 19th century, the building was called the Comical House. St Nicholas’ Church was established in the 14th century. The current building is from the 17th century. Other important Deptford buildings include Albany Theatre and Tanners Hill.
