Crayford is a town in the London Borough of Bexley that was an important bridging point in Roman times across the River Cray, a tributary of the River Thames. As a parish (pre 1920) it included Erith and Slade Green which lie to the north. For centuries it was strongly associated with brick-making, the printing of silk scarves, ties and calico cloths, and for a short period carpet-making. After 1897 the Vickers Company that built military aeroplanes and armaments became the dominant employer building homes, a theatre and a canteen close to many workshops. The latter constructed during World War One became the town hall of the Urban District Council and remains a major landmark in municipal use.
Crayford is now well known for a different theatre, a small astronomic observatory and a greyhound racing track. The theatre was named in honour of Geoffrey Whitworth who played a key part in developing a British tradition of amateur drama and in building political support for The Royal National Theatre erected at Waterloo, London after his death.
A public house in the town centre called "The Bear and Ragged Staff" is well known as a venue for live pop/rock bands; it was briefly renamed "The Orange Kipper" in the mid-1990s, before public outcry convinced the owners to reinstate the traditional name.
On its way from Erith to Old Bexley, the "London LOOP" walk follows the River Cray across the Crayford Marshes and through the town centre. This section of the LOOP is based on an earlier signed walk, the Cray Riverway, and many of the signposts along it still carry the older route's name.
Nearest places
Arms of the former Borough of Crayford
Nearest railway stations
External link
Crayford Towntalk Site
Last updated: 10-11-2005 20:53:12
